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TALES 


FROM  THE  GERMAN. 


TRANSLATED 


BY    NATHANIEL    GREENE. 


VOLUME    II. 


BOSTON: 

AMERICAN   STATIONERS'   COMPANY, 

JOHN    B,    RUSSELL, 

1837. 


BOSTON: 

Sp.muel  N.  Dickinson,  Printer, 

52,  Washington  street. 


THE    LICHTENSTEINS. 


A  TALE  OF  THE  TIMES  OF  THE  THIRTY  YEARS  WAR 


BY  C.  F.  VAN  DER  VELDE. 


CHAPTER    I. 


On  christmas-eve,  in  the  year  1628,  Katharine, 
the  wife  of  the  merchant  Fessel,  of  Schweidnitz, 
was  standing  in  her  large  back  parlor,  with  her  infant 
upon  her  arm,  arranging  with  feminine  taste,  upon  a 
long  table  covered  with  a  snow-white  cloth,  the  Christ- 
mas gifts  destined  for  her  husband,  her  children,  and 
the  other  members  of  her  family. 

At  a  table  in  the  corner,  sat  the  book-keeper, 
Oswald  Dorn,  giving  the  finishing  touch  to  a  minia- 
ture manger,  which  he  had  ingeniously  constructed 
for  the  children  of  his  employer.  He  now  placed  a 
beautifully  painted  angel,  cut  out  of  isinglass,  in  the 
side  of  the  manger  in  which  the  infant  Savior  lay, 
for  the  purpose  of  indicating  the  celestial  mission  of 
the  heavenly  messenger  by  its  transparent  brilliancy. 
He  gave  yet  another  satisfied  look  at  the  well  execu- 
ted work,  and  then  approached  Katharine,  who  had, 
meanwhile,  spread  out  an  infinite  variety  of  useful 
and  agreeable  presents,  articles  of  dress,  pieces  of 
coin,  books,  toys,  &c.  She  was  now  distributing 
=^1 


b  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

to  each  one  his  portion  of  cakes,  sweet  biscuits,  sugar 
animals,  gingerbread,  apples  and  nuts,  with  just 
impartiality.  In  deep  thought,  the  book-keeper  took 
from  the  table  two  figures  formed  of  Schweidnitz 
gingerbread.  They  represented  two  of  Dr.  Martin 
Luther's  enemies,  Tetzel  and  Eck,  in  their  official 
robes,  disfigured  with  the  heads  of  animals.  The 
names  inscribed  on  them  left  no  doubt  whom  they 
were  intended  to  represent.  Dorn  examined  the 
caricatures  with  an  ominous  shake  of  the  head.  '  Do 
not  give  these  ill-shaped  things  to  the  children,'  said 
he.  '  Believe  me,  it  is  not  well  for  them  to  be  so 
early  taught  to  make  war  upon  opinions  which  they 
do  not  understand.  Mockery  and  derision  are  bad 
aids  to  the  holy  cause,  and  the  hand,  which  grasps 
filth  to  throw  at  an  adversary,  is  itself  the  first  soiled. 
The  bitterness,  with  which  the  struggle  for  truth  and 
spiritual  freedom  has  been  carried  on,  has  already 
spread  enough  of  suffering  and  miser}"  over  Europe. 
Let  not  the  demon  of  sectarian  zeal  intrude  itself  into 
the  nursery.' 

'  You  take  every  thing  in  the  same  earnest  and 
serious  way,'  jestingly  answered  the  friendly  Katha- 
rine, laying  the  caricature  figures  aside.  '  Who  that 
heard  3"ou  would  suppose  you  had  bravely  drawn  your 
sword  for  the  new  faith  yourself  ?  The  red  scar  upon 
your  forehead  contradicts  your  words.' 

'  You  are  right,'  cried  Dorn  with  emotion.  '  I  have 
wielded  the  sword  for  the  new  faith.     A  bold  captain 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  7 

of  daring  robbers,  I  have  achieved  many  a  deed  of 
arms  under  this  pretext ;  but  daily  do  I  pray  to  God 
to  pardon  me  for  it  ! ' 

He  hastened  away.  The  reverend  Johannes  Beer, 
who  had  entered  the  room  unnoticed  at  the  commence- 
ment of  this  conversation,  looked  after  him  with 
astonishment,  and  then  asked  the  hostess  :  '  that  young 
man  talks  very  strangely  —  may  he  not  be  a  papist  in 
disguise,  sent  into  this  house  as  a  spy  for  our  destruc- 
tion ? ' 

'  By  no  means  ! '  cried  Katharine  with  zeal.  '  You 
know,  my  worthy  sir,  that  he  was  wounded  fighting 
for  the  Augsburg  confession,  and  during  the  two  years 
he  has  dwelt  under  our  roof,  he  has  constantly  evinced 
so  true  an  attachment  for  us,  and  such  a  noble  zeal 
against  the  tyranny  of  the  pope,  that  I  would  answer 
for  his  honesty  with  my  life.' 

'  You  judge  of  others  according  to  the  goodness  of 
your  own  heart  !'  cried  the  parson.  '  Believe  me,  in 
the  iron  times  in  which  we  live  one  cannot  be  too 
cautious.  One  Judas  was  found  even  among  the 
apostles.  Many  a  one  who  was  a  Paul  for  the  pure 
evangelical  doctrines  has  fallen  from  the  faith,  and 
now  rages  an  angry  Saul  against  his  former  brethren. 
The  devil  has  once  more  become  wholly  devilish,  and 
the  anti-christ  again  goes  about  like  a  roaring  lion 
seeking  whom  he  may  devour.  The  emperor,  incited 
by  the  monks,  has  determined  to  effect  a  counter 
reformation  in   Silesia  ;   and  already  in  Glogau,  the 


8  TALES    FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

Lichtensteins,*  those  terrible  men  of  blood,  who 
convert  by  fire  and  sword,  are  raging  in  a  furious  and 
shocking  manner.' 

*  Ah,  reverend  sir,'  complained  Katharine,  '  we 
have  invited  you  to  share  our  joys  and  partake  with 
us  of  the  festival  of  our  Lord  ;  but  by  repeating  such 
dreadful  news  you  will  embitter  all  our  enjoyments, 
and  convert  our  christmas  supper  into  a  mourning 
feast.' 

'  It  is  the  duty  of  a  faithful  pastor,'  said  the  clergy- 
man, *  to  frighten  away  the  sleep  of  safety  into  which 
we  are  rocked  by  ease  and  selfishness.  Our  good 
Schweidnitz  will  also  have  to  suffer  in  its  turn. 
Have  they  not  already  taken  from  us  the  honorably 
purchased  church  of  the  cross,  and  the  church  of 
our  dear  lady  of  the  woods  ?  Have  they  not  already 
forbidden  us  the  service  of  God  in  the  church  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  ?  They  will  surely  take  the  earliest 
opportunity  to  do  the  same  with  St.  Stanislaus  and 
St.  Wenceslaus.  Various  suspicious  signs  and  tokens 
have  lately  been  seen.  As  I  was  observing  the  stars 
last  night,  with  my  colleague  Glogero,  the  constella- 
tions were  very  ominous  ;  and  about  midnight  a  fearful 
sign  arose  in  the  heavens  from  the  north.  A  large 
red  ball  of  fire  described  a  flaming  arch  from  the 
edge  of  the  horizon  to  the  zenith  of  the  parish  church, 
where  it  burst  with  a  powerful  explosion.  It  indi- 
cates the  near  proximity  of  great  danger  to  our  reli- 
gious liberties.' 

*  The  name  of  one  of  the  imperial  regiments,  composed  of 
catholics. 


THE      LICHTENSTEINS.  » 

During  this  speech  so  prophetic  of  evil,  Katharine, 
with  a  happy  feminine  tact,  contrived  to  forget  the 
threatened  troubles  amid  the  little  cares  of  the 
moment,  and  proceeded  to  ignite  the  innumerable 
lights  of  the  christmas-trees,  and  those  placed  in  the 
little  manger  for  the  purpose  of  illuminating  its 
interior.  The  brightness  of  day  was  diffused  through 
the  large  room,  which  awaked  the  child  upon  her 
bosom,  and  it  smilingly  stretched  out  its  little  hands 
toward  the  joyous  light. 

*  See  how  my  little  Johannes  is  delighted,'  said  the 
mother  to  the  gloomy  man.  '  Careless  of  the  threat- 
ening future,  he  enjoys  the  present.  Does  not  our 
holy  bible  say,  '  unless  you  become  like  little  child- 
ren you  shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  !' 
Therefore  leave  the  portentous  future  to  the  wise 
guidance  of  God,  and  be  happy  with  us  to-night,  for 
once,  like  this  harmless  child.  Above  all,  be  silent 
in  my  husband's  presence,  respecting  your  bad  news. 
He  has  been  very  anxious  and  dejected  for  some  days, 
and  I  shall  be  much  grieved  if  anything  occur  to  rend- 
er us  unhappy  this  evening,  to  which  christians  of  all 
denominations  look  with  general  joy  as  the  anniver- 
sary of  their  common  origin.' 

One  of  Fessel's  apprentices  now  opened  the  door. 
*  My  master  directs  me  to  say  to  you,'  cried  he,  '  that 
you  may  immediately  commence  the  distribution  of 
the  presents,  before  it  is  too  late.  He  has  yet  much 
to  do  in  the  counting-room.  Two  important  letters 
have  arrived.  He  will  come  to  you  at  the  earliest 
moment  possible.' 


10  TALES     FROH     THE     GERMAN. 

'  That  is  not  at  all  pleasant  !'  sighed  Katharine,  as 
the  messenger  disappeared.  '  There  can  be  no  true 
family  festival  where  the  master  of  the  house  is  mis- 
sing. Nevertheless,  my  husband  is  right  !  If  I  delay 
much  longer,  the  supper  will  be  spoiled  and  every- 
thing will  be  in  disorder.'  She  rang  a  bell  which 
stood  upon  the  table.  A  distant  shout  of  children 
answered  the  noisy  summons.  She  rang  a  second 
time,  when  the  shouts  came  nearer,  and  a  joyous  tu- 
mult arose  at  the  door  of  the  room.  She  now  put 
down  the  bell,  and  looked  pleasedly  toward  the  door, 
before  which  the  whispering,  laughing  and  tramping 
band  awaited  the  third  call. 

*  They  must  wait  a  little,'  said  Katharine,  smiling, 
to  the  clergyman.  *  It  seasons  the  pleasure,  and  is  a 
wholesome  lesson  for  youth,  when  early  taught.' 
The  holy  man  nodded  assent  to  the  pedagogical  arti- 
fice ;  but  meanwhile  the  mother's  heart  began  to 
yield,  and  impelled  Katharine's  hand  toward  the  bell. 
The  third  call  now  sounded,  when  the  door  burst  open 
as  if  at  the  explosion  of  a  petard,  and  the  four  chil- 
dren of  Fessel,  two  vigorous  boys  and  two  lovely  girls, 
stormed  into  the  room,  surrounding  and  dragging  their 
favorite,  the  book-keeper,  along  with  them.  After 
them  followed  the  clerks,  apprentices,  servants  and 
maidens,  who  modestly  arranged  themselves  in  a  row 
near  the  door  until  their  places  were  pointed  out  to 
them. 

The   children  precipitated  themselves    toward  the 
richly  laden  table  like  a  rushing  stream,  recognizing 


THE      LICHTENSTEINS.  11 

the  portion  destined  for  each  with  a  searching  and 
rapid  glance.  '  I  will  draw  this  against  Wallenstein  ! ' 
screamed  the  wild  Martin,  brandishing  a  little  sword 
that  he  found  among  his  presents.  '  A  bible  and  a 
bunch  of  quills,'  cried  the  intellectual  Ulrich,  holding 
them  up :  '  now  I  will  write  against  the  papists  like 
the  noble  Hutten,  whose  name  I  bear.  '  Alas,  the  poor 
maidens  who  can  never  be  married  ! '  cried  both  of 
the  girls,  bringing  two  waxen  nuns  to  their  mother. 

'  Beloved  children  I '  said  the  clergyman,  pressing 
them  all  to  his  heart.  They  tore  themselves  from 
his  arms  and  broke  out  in  a  simultaneous  shout  of 
astonishment  and  joy  upon  observing  the  miniature 
manger.  Then  as  if  beside  themselves  they  ran, 
tumbling  over  each  other,  to  their  mother,  the  clergy- 
man and  Dorn,  thankfully  showing  and  praising  their 
several  presents. 

'  Will  you  not  look  at  your  christmas  present, 
master  Dorn  ?  '  asked  Katharine  of  the  book-keeper, 
who  kept  himself  apart  in  serious  silence. 

He  turned  toward  the  designated  place  with  a 
melancholy  smile,  and  as  he  cast  his  eyes  upon  the  rich 
present,  a  complete  and  splendid  dress-suit  with  a  full 
complement  of  the  finest  linen,  he  turned  again  with 
deep  emotion  to  Katharine,  who  was  pointing  out 
their  places  to  the  rest  of  the  household. 

*  This  is  too  much,  madam  Katharine,'  he  cried. 
'  How  may  you  thus  favor  the  stranger  beyond  the 
children  of  your  house  ?  ' 

*  The  stranger  ?  '  asked  Katharine  resentfully.     *  In 


12  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

our  hearts  it  has  been  a  long  time  since  you  were  so, 
and  we  should  much  regret  to  have  you  consider 
yourself  one.  Believe  me,  we  are  sensible  what  a 
faithful  companion  and  assistant  my  husband  has 
acquired  in  you,  and  that  every  thing  we  can  do  for 
you  is  but  honestly  discharging  our  obligations.' 

'Ah,  see,  master  Dorn,  you  also  have  got  a  sword!' 
cried  Martin,  holding  up  this  essential  part  of  the  dress 
of  a  burgher  in  those  times,  which  lay  by  Dorn's 
present. 

Dorn  suddenly  approached  the  boy  and  taking  the 
magnificent  sword  from  his  hands  gazed  upon  it  with 
secret  pleasure.  At  length  he  could  no  longer  resist 
the  desire  to  draw  and  try  the  temper  of  the  blade. 

*  You  are  not  angry,'  asked  Katharine,  *  that  a  lady 
should  presume  to  arm  you  ?  Really  your  old  sword 
with  its  hacked  hilt  and  notched  and  rusty  blade, 
would  not  have  become  your  new  suit.' 

'  You  have  done  well,  worthy  lady,'  said  Dorn, 
proving  the  blade  by  pressing  its  point  against  the 
floor  and  bending  it  in  every  direction,  *  The  old 
sword  had  indeed  become  dear  to  me,  like  an  old  friend 
who  had  always  remained  true  in  times  of  necessity 
and  danger  ;  but  I  never  reflect  upon  the  deeds  I  have 
performed  with  it  without  shuddering.  It  seems  to 
me  that  it  is  possessed  by  an  evil  spirit  which  impels 
my  hand  to  deeds  of  blood  against  my  will,  and 
I  therefore  do  not  like  to  touch  it.  This  has  as  yet 
drank  no  blood,  and,  so  help  me  God,  I  will  preserve 
it  unstained  unless  I  am  compelled  to  draw  it  in  defence 


THE      LICHTENSTEINS.  13 

of  the  hearth  where  I,  a  friendless  stranger,  have  been 
so  hospitably  received.' 

'  Or  in  defence  of  religion,'  added  the  parson. 

'  The  true  religion,  most  worthy  sir,'  answered 
Dorn,  *  needs  not  the  aid  of  the  sword  ! ' 

The  reverend  man  had  already  opened  his  mouth 
to  refute  this  bold  proposition,  when  the  master  of  the 
house  entered  with  a  clouded  countenance,  holding 
two  open  letters  in  his  hand.  He  briefly  greeted  the 
parson,  gently  put  aside  the  children  who  gathered 
about  him  in  their  noisy  joy,  and  handed  one  of  the 
letters  to  his  wife. 

'  From  your  mother,  at  Sagan,'  said  he  ;  and  while 
she  proceeded  to  read  it  with  visible  terror,  he  drew 
the  book-keeper  to  a  window. 

'  I  have  a  sudden  and  disagreeable  business  for  you,' 
said  he  to  Dorn.  *  The  t-errible  Wallenstein  con- 
ducts himself  in  his  new  dukedom  with  a  tyranny 
almost  unheard  of  among  christians.  He  has  deter- 
mined to  send  all  the  orphan  sons  of  burghers  of 
Sagan  to  the  school  he  has  recently  established  at 
Gitschin.  Those  whom  he  has  found  in  the  place, 
have  been  forcibly  sent  to  Bohemia.  Their  property 
and  relatives  are  held  answerable  for  the  absent.  As 
you  already  know,  my  mother-in-law's  nephew,  young 
Engelmann,  is  at  present  studying  at  the  gymnasium 
in  this  city ;  and  the  tyrant  has  thrown  his  uncle  and 
guardian  into  prison  until  the  pupil  shall  be  forthcom- 
ing. No  other  course  remains,  but  to  send  the  poor  boy 
home  as  soon  as  possible  ;  and,  that  he  may,  in  these 
2 


14  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN, 

dangerous  times,  reach  Sagan  with  safety,  it  is  my 
wish  that  you  would  accompany  him.  When  there, 
you  may  also  be  able  to  assist  me  in  another  affair.  I 
have  loaned  a  thousand  gilders  upon  the  two  houses 
of  the  joiner  Eckebrect.  My  debtor  now  informs  me 
that  the  houses  are  among  those  the  duke  has  caused 
to  be  demolished  for  the  purpose  of  opening  a  better 
view  for  his  palace.  Nothing  has  yet  been  said 
respecting  indemnification.  I  therefore  wish  you, 
while  on  the  spot,  to  obtain  all  the  information  you  can 
upon  the  subject.' 

'  I  am  very  willingly  at  your  service,'  modestly 
answered  Dorn.     *  When  shall  I  set  out  ? ' 

'  Did  I  not  fear  the  sin  of  keeping  you  from  church 
on  Christmas  night,'  said  Fessel,  '  I  would  beg  of  you 
to  start  this  very  evening.  Sagan  is  distant,  and  old 
Engelmann  is  a  very  worthy  man,  whose  release 
from  prison  I  should  be  glad  to  effect  as  soon  as 
possible.' 

'  The  performance  of  duty  is  God's  service  !  '  cried 
Dorn.  '  I  will  go  immediately  and  prepare  for  the 
journey.'  He  left  the  room,  followed  by  the  boys,  who 
lamented  the  loss  of  their  best  christmas  enjoyment  in 
his  departure. 

'  Your  book-keeper  is  indeed  no  papist,'  said  the  par- 
son to  Katharine  after  a  long  pause ;  '  but  there  may  also 
be  some  doubt  of  his  Lutheranism  ;  for  he  appears  to 
sustain  the  doctrine  of  good  works.  He  may  be  tinc- 
tured with  Calvinism. 

'  If  he  were,  he  would  still  be  our  protestant  co- 


THE     LIGHTEN  STEINS.  15 

laborer  and  brother  in  Christ,'  answered  Fessel  in  the 
name  of  his  consort,  who  was  busily  reading. 

'  Calvin,  Zuinglius,  and  the  pope  —  all  are  heretics 
alike  ! '   grumbled  the  parson. 

The  weeping  Katharine  now  folded  the  letter,  hand- 
ed it  to  her  husband,  and  in  a  soft,  submissive  voice 
asked  him  :    '  What  have  you  decided  upon,  Tobias  ? ' 

'  I  wished  to  advise  with  you  upon  the  matter  first, 
my  Kitty,'  he  answered,  in  a  friendly  manner.  '  They 
are  your  nearest  relatives  who  now  seek  a  refuge  with 
us,  and  I  would  not  willingly  leave  them  in  the  claws 
of  those  fiends  ;  but  at  all  events  their  coming  would 
increase  your  domestic  cares,  and  I  know  not  whether 
you  would  like  to  have  your  mother  and  sister  reside 
in  the  family.' 

'  As  I  know  my  beloved  ones,'  she  joyfully  answer- 
ed, '  I  have  only  relief,  consolation  and  joy,  to  expect 
from  them  ;  and,  if  my  opinion  is  to  decide  the  matter, 
I  beg  you  with  all  my  heart  to  have  them  brought 
here.' 

Dorn  now  entered  the  room  in  his  traveling  dress, 
with  his  rusty  sword  by  his  side.  He  was  followed 
by  Martin  and  Ulrich,  and  the  young  Engelmann  with 
his  traveling  bag  in  his  hand,  much  grieved  at  being 
compelled  to  leave  his  dear  Schweidnitz  for  a  strange 
school  w^here  he  was  unknowing  and  unknown. 

'  The  carriage  is  ready,'  said  the  book-keeper.  *  I 
come  to  take  my  leave,  and  ask  if  you  have  any  fur- 
ther commands  for  me.' 

'  I  have  yet  one  more  request,  my  dear  friend,' 


16  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

answered  the  merchant.  *  A  captain  of  Wallenstein's 
body  guards  is  quartered  in  the  house  of  my  mother- 
in-law  at  Sagan,  who  plays  the  duke  of  Friedland  on 
a  small  scale  in  the  quiet  residence  of  the  widow ; 
and,  what  is  still  more  unfortunate,  woos  the  favor  of 
my  sister-in-law  after  the  fashion  of  a  wild  Tartar. 
She  very  naturally  rejects  the  monster,  who  has 
already  served  under  four  different  masters,  has  four 
times  changed  his  religion,  and  is  now,  by  accident,  a 
catholic ;  but  the  refusal  has  brought  her  no  relief, 
and  he  only,  who  knows  how  much  a  bad  man  may 
afflict  a  family  upon  whom  he  is  quartered,  can  imagine 
w^hat  the  poor  women  must  suffer.  On  this  account 
they  w4sh  to  leave  all  behind  them  and  flee  to  me  at 
Schweidnitz ;  and  after  having  delivered  up  your 
scholar,  you  can  bring  them  with  you  on  your  return. 
This  writing  may  serve  as  your  credential.' 

'  I  beg  of  you  to  be  especially  careful  that  you 
suffer  no  injury  on  the  way  from  the  marauding 
soldiers,  who  render  the  public  roads  unsafe,'  said 
Katharine  w4th  anxious  solicitude. 

'  I  take  with  me  my  faithful  old  battle-companion,' 
said  Dorn,  striking  the  hilt  of  his  sword  with  a  glance 
in  which  all  his  former  military  spirit  shone  forth. 
'  Do  not  be  concerned  for  me,  madam  Katharine. 
We  have  a  hard  frost  —  I  shall  let  the  horses  travel  at 
a  round  pace  —  and  with  God's  blessing,  I  will  be 
here  to  partake  of  the  christmas  supper,  which  I 
should  have  eaten  now,  with  you  and  your  dear  rela- 
tives on  new  year's  eve.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  17 

He  raised  the  sorrowing  children,  whom  even  the 
ingeniously  constructed  manger  could  not  console  for 
his  departure,  one  after  the  other  to  his  lips,  bowed  to 
the  others,  disappeared  with  his  protege,  and  the 
wheels  of  his  carriage  were  soon  heard  rattling  over 
the  hard- frozen  ground. 


CHAPTER    II. 


It  was  the  evening  of  the  third  christmas  holi- 
day. The  snow-flakes  were  merrily  whirling  about 
out  of  doors  ;  and  in  a  well  warmed  room  at  Sagan 
sat  the  merchant's  widow,  Prudentia  Eosen,  with 
her  daughter,  the  lovely  Faith.  Both  of  them  were 
industriously  winding  the  fine  spun  thread  upon  the 
twirling  spindles.  The  impudent  captain  of  the 
guards  had  planted  himself  in  the  matron's  arm- 
chair, at  the  table,  and  was  afflicting  the  poor  women 
by  a  recital  of  his  terrible  warlike  deeds,  while  he 
emptied  the  silver  goblet  standing  before  him,  and 
directed  love-glances,  which  made  him  look  even 
more  disagreeable,  at  poor  Faith,  who,  sighingly  and 
reluctantly  replenished  it  from  time  to  time. 

The  servant  announced  a  stranger  who  wished  to 
speak  with  madam  Rosen  alone. 

The  widow  rose  to  go  out  in  obedience  to  the 
summons ;  but  the  captain  sneeringly  observed  that 
as  she  could  have  no  motive  for  a  secret  interview 
with  the  stranger,  she  could  give  the  required 
audience  in  his  presence. 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  19 

The  widow  nodded  to  the  servant,  with  a  slight 
shrug  of  the  shoulders  at  this  new  exhibition  of 
insolence.  The  latter  immediately  ushered  in  a 
young  man,  who  greeted  the  ladies  with  modest 
friendliness,  and  the  captain  with  cold  courtesy. 

*  I  am  the  book-keeper  of  your  son-in-law,'  said 
he.  '  I  have  the  honor  to  hand  you  this  letter  as  my 
credential,  and  to  inform  you,  that,  if  agreeable,  your- 
self and  daughter  can  accompany  me  to  Schweidnitz 
to-morrow  morning.' 

'  How  ?  You  wish  to  leave  Sagan  now,  madam 
Rosen  ? '  asked  the  captain,  angrily  stroking  his  red 
beard. 

'  Family  affairs  render  this  journey  unavoidable,' 
answered  the  widow,  with  quiet  firmness. 

'You  must  arrange  the  matter  otherwise,'  blustered 
the  ruffian.  '  Your  most  imperative  duty  is  to  remain 
here  and  provide  for  the  comfort  of  those  who  are 
quartered  in  your  house.' 

'  Do  not  be  anxious  on  that  score,  captain,'  answered 
the  widow.  '  Every  thing  will  be  furnished  that  you 
need  in  my  absence.' 

'  Then  go,  in  the  devil's  name,  where  you  please,' 
cried  the  captain  ;  *  but,  that  my  comfort  may  not  be 
disturbed,  your  daughter  remains  behind  to  discharge 
the  duties  of  hostess.' 

'  Give  yourself  no  uneasiness,  madam  Rosen,'  said 
Dorn,  consolingly,  to  the  terrified  woman.  '  If  you  are 
not  by  the  duke  of  Friedland's  command  a  prisoner 


20  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

in  your  own  house,  the  captain  will  let  you  go  without 
requiring  a  hostage.' 

'  How  is  that  ? '  cried  the  irritated  captain,  viewing 
the  young  man  from  head  to  foot.  The  latter  quietly 
returned  his  measuring  glance,  whilst  the  beauteous 
Faith  timidly  raised  her  eyes  from  her  spindle, 
inwardly  delighted  with  the  fearlessness  of  the 
interesting  stranger. 

'  You  are  a  fine  fellow,'  said  the  captain  with  a 
malicious  smile  ;  '  well-grown  and  strong  ;  and  your 
bold  behavior  is  very  becoming.  You  w^ould  make  a 
good  trooper.  Come,  do  me  justice  to  the  health 
of  our  most  gracious  emperor.' 

'  We  must  become  better  acquainted  with  each 
other,  captain,  before  we  drink  together,'  answered 
Dorn,  politely  declining  the  goblet. 

'  Do  you  slight  my  proffered  courtesy,'  growled 
the  captain ;  *  or  do  you  belong  to  the  rebels,  that 
you  refuse  to  drink  the  emperor's  health  ? ' 

'  Drink  ! '  imploringly  begged  the  timid  Faith,  and, 
vanquished  by  the  glance  which  accompanied  the 
request,  the  youth  seized  the  goblet  and  cried,  '  May 
God  enlighten  the  emperor  and  teach  him  the  true 
way  to  promote  the  welfare  of  his  subjects  !' 

'  Bravo,  comrade  ! '  cried  the  captain,  as  the  goblet 
was  drained.  *  You  will  never  regret  having  entered 
the  emperor's  service.  I  pledge  you  my  word  that 
you  will  be  a  corporal  in  a  month.' 

'  What  mean  you  by  that  ?  '  asked  Dorn  with  sur- 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  21 

prise.  '  The  idea  of  entering  the  emperor's  service 
never  once  came  into  my  head.' 

'  You  jest  !'  cried  the  miscreant.  You  have  drank 
to  the  emperor  with  a  captain  in  the  imperial  service, 
and  by  that  act  have  become  a  soldier.' 

'  Is  it  possible  ! '  cried  Dorn.  *  Can  you  so  prosti- 
tute the  emperor's  name  as  to  use  it  for  so  low  an 
artifice  ? ' 

'  Not  a  word  of  opposition,  fellow ! '  said  the  captain 
menacingly.  '  You  have  consented  to  take  service 
under  the  standard  of. his  imperial  majesty,  and  must 
abide  thereby.' 

'  I  am  a  free  burgher  of  Schweidnitz,'  said  Dorn ; 
'  what  right  have  you  to  hold  me  ? ' 

'  What  right  !  what  right  !'  blustered  the  captain, 
striking  the  floor  with  his  sword.  '  Here  is  my  right, 
which  is  valid  through  all  Europe.' 

'  I  warn  you,  captain,'  cried  Dorn,  *  to  be  cautious 
how  you  take  a  step  which  may  disgrace  you  with- 
out accomplishing  your  purpose.' 

'  That  we  shall  see  ! '  said  the  captain  ;  and,  going 
to  the  door,  he  threw  it   open  and   cried,  '  Orderly  ! ' 

A  gigantic  guardsman  came  clattering  up  the  steps, 
stooped  to  enter  the  room,  and  then,  straitening  him- 
self up  like  a  tall  pine,  thundered,  '  Here  !' 

'  Take  this  recruit  to  the  guard-room,'  commanded 
the  captain,  '  and  deliver  him  over,  on  my  account, 
to  the  officer  of  the  day.  He  may  as  well  be  put  in 
uniform  and  sworn  to  his  colors  this  evening  as  to- 
morrow.' 


22  TALESFR0  3r     THE     GEE  MAN. 

The  colossus  stepped  up  to  Dorn,  pointed  to  the  door, 
and  in  a  very  insolent  tone  commanded,  *  March!' 

Dorn  hurled  him  back  with  great  force,  and  drew 
from  his  pocket  a  sealed  document  which  he  held  up 
to  the  view  of  the  captain.  '  My  commission  as 
captain  in  the  royal  Danish  service,'  said  he,  '  pro- 
tects me  ag-ainst  the  honor  of  serving  under  you. 
The  duke  of  Friedland  shall  satisfy  himself  of  its 
authenticity  to-morrow.  To  me  you  must  make 
reparation,  upon  the  spot,  for  this  personal  outrage. 
Have  the  goodness  to  follow  me  to  the  door.' 

The  captain,  who,  like  many  a  bragadocio,  hid  the 
ears  of  the  ass  under  the  skin  of  the  lion,  stood 
utterly  confused  before  the  angry  youth,  in  whom  he 
had  very  unexpectedly  found  his  match.  At  length 
he  motioned  his  orderly  to  retire.  *  It  is  not  possible 
for  me  to  accept  your  invitation  to-night ;  but  early 
in  the  morning  we  will  speak  further  upon  this 
matter,'  said  he  with  constrained  courtesy  to  Dorn, 
and  immediately  left  the  room. 

*  We  shall  not  be  able  to  start  before  noon,  in  this 
way,'  said  Dorn,  with  some  little  vexation.  *  Mean- 
while, have  the  goodness,  madam  Kosen,  to  pack  the 
best  and  most  necessary  articles  which  you  may  wish 
to  take  with  you,  to-night.' 

*  Ah,  that  would  prove  a  fruitless  trouble,  my  dear 
sir  ! '  exclaimed  the  widow.  *  The  captain  is  now 
highly  incensed,  and  I  believe  he  would  strike  the 
horses  dead  before  the  carriage,  sooner  than  let 
us   go.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  23 

'  I  trust  some  one  higher  than  he  can  be  found 
here/  said  Dorn.  *  When  matters  come  to  the  worst, 
I  can  speak  to  the  duke  himself.' 

'  God  preserve  you  from  that ! '  cried  the  widow. 
'  He  is  indeed  a  passionate,  tyrannical  man,  who  will 
not  tolerate  even  the  sparrows  upon  his  roof.  He 
directly  hangs  every  one  who  makes  the  least  oppo- 
sition to  him.  He  strung  up  a  poor  apothecary's 
apprentice  for  making  too  much  noise  in  his  neigh- 
borhood Avith  his  pestle  and  mortar,  and  a  poor  child 
because  it  cried  in  its  mother's  arms.' 

*  I  nevertheless  doubt  not  he  w411  suffer  me  to  live,' 
said  Dorn,  with  a  smile.  '  I  have  seen  the  white  of 
his  eye  at  Dessau,  and  was  not  frightened.  Therefore 
dismiss  your  fears  and  pack  up  as  quick  as  you  can. 
I  shall  start  at  one  in  the  afternoon  to-morrow.  I 
have  promised  your  daughter  to  be  in  Schweidnitz  on 
new-year's  eve,  and  will  keep  my  word.' 

He  was  about  to  take  his  leave  ;  but  the  widow 
held  him  fast  by  both  his  hands. 

'  No,'  cried  she,  anxiously,  '  I  will  not  let  you  go. 
I  thank  God  for  sending  a  manly  protector  to  my 
house  in  these  evil  times,  and  should  die  with  fear  if 
compelled  to  sleep  alone  under  the  same  roof  with 
that  monster,  now  that  he  is  irritated.  No,  you 
remain  with  us.  My  daughter  shall  prepare  the  little 
guest-chamber  for  you,  and  I  will  mix  your  evening 
draught.' 

'  I  would  not  be  troublesome  to  you,'  said  Dorn, 


24  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  at  a  time  when  your  house  is  already  occupied  by 
other  guests.' 

'  It  is,  indeed,  and  by  those  who  are  uninvited  and 
unwelcome,'  sighed  the  widow.  '  But  for  that  very 
reason  I  would  add  a  welcome  guest  to  the  number, 
that  I  may  know  whether  I  am  yet  mistress  of  my 
own  house.' 

In  obedience  to  a  nod  from  her  mother,  Faith,  with 
blushing  cheeks  and  downcast  eyes,  took  a  light  to 
show  the  guest  to  his  chamber.  He  followed  her 
through  the  Gothic  building,  up  one  flight  of  steps 
and  down  another,  through  crooked  passages,  until 
they  reached  a  small,  but  neatly  furnished  chamber, 
in  which  was  a  snow  white  bed.  While  Faith 
removed  the  flowered  damask  covering,  filled  the 
shining  pewter  ewer  with  fresh  water,  and  hung  a 
towel  near  it,  he  was  occupied  in  observing  the 
beautiful  form  of  the  lovely  blonde,  whose  graceful 
motions,  employed  for  the  promotion  of  his  comfort, 
were  for   that  reason  rendered  doubly  charming. 

*  Perhaps  I  render  you  an  unwelcome  service  in 
taking  you  from  this  place,  fair  maiden?'  said  he, 
by  way  of  beginning  conversation. 

'  How  can  you  think  so,  sir  ? '  quickly  replied  Faith. 
'  I  thank  my  God  and  yourself  for  my  release.' 

*  Well,  one  cannot  always  know,'  said  Dorn,  jest- 
ingly. '  The  heart  may  often  have  attachments  in 
a  place  otherwise  particularly  disagreeable.' 

'  If  I  thought   you  alluded  to    the  captain,'    said 


THE     LIGHTEN  STEINS.  25 

Faith,  with  some  asperity,  '  I  could  become  angry 
with  you,  in  the  first  hour  of  our  acquaintance.' 

'  He  is  not,  indeed,  a  very  fascinating  suitor,'  con- 
tinued Dorn ;  '  but  there  nevertheless  may  be  in  the 
city  of  Sagan,  some  slender  rosy  youth,  who  has 
eyes  for  so  beauteous  a  maiden.' 

'  I  know  none  here  for  whom  I  could  have  eyes,' 
answered  the  maiden,  quickly,  and  immediately 
became  somewhat  alarmed  at  the  traitorous  emphasis 
she  had  laid  upon  the  word  here, 

'  Not  here,  but  elsewhere  ? '  asked  Dorn,  seizing 
her  delicate  white  hand. 

'  These  bold  questions  come  from  the  evil  customs 
of  your  hateful  military  profession,'  said  Faith, 
endeavoring  to  withdraw  her  hand.  He  suffered  her 
to  regain  it  only  by  slow  degrees,  letting  but  one 
rosy  finger  out  of  his  hand  at  a  time,  while  his  pulse 
was  becoming  greatly  accelerated  by  the  soft,  caress- 
ing touch.  His  eyes  sought  and  met  hers,  which 
looked  kindly  upon  him,  not  with  the  sun's  consuming 
fire,  but  with  the  mild  chaste  light  of  the  friendly 
moon. 

*  So  you  have  not  yet  loved,  charming  Faith  ? '  he 
earnestly  asked,  holding  fast  the  last  little  finger  of 
the  imprisoned  hand. 

'  What  a  question,'  whispered  she,  turning  away 
from  him.     '  I  am  scarcel}^  sixteen  years  old.' 

'  Then  the  first  silver-tone  is  yet  to  be  drawn  from 
this  untried  'harp  of  a  thousand  strings;'  0,  how 
3 


26  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

happy/  cried  the  youth,  '  will  be  that  artist  who  shall 
one  day  succeed  in  awakening  its  thrilling  music  !' 

Faith  suddenly  exclaimed,  '  Good  night,  captain  I ' 
The  farewell  bow  released  the  yet  imprisoned  finger, 
and  the  delightful  vision  disappeared. 


CHAPTER    III. 


When  Dorn  opened  his  eyes  the  next  mommg,  a 
corporal  and  six  halbardiers  were  standing  before  his 
bed. 

'  Dress  yourself  quickly,'  commanded  the  corporal. 
*  I  am  ordered  to  bring  you  before  the  duke.' 

Having  soon  become  satisfied  that  no  opposition 
was,  in  this  case,  to  be  thought  of,  Dorn  obeyed.  As 
he  and  his  guards  were  passing  through  the  streets, 
he  saw  many  things  which  went  to  prove  the  arbitrary 
power  of  the  man  before  whom  his  own  emperor  and 
all  Europe  were  then  trembling.  Notwithstanding 
the  misery  and  suffering  produced  by  the  war,  he  saw 
whole  rows  of  houses  which  had  been  repaired,  newly 
painted,  and  splendidly  furnished,  that  the  city  in 
which  the  Friedlander  dwelt  and  governed  might 
present  an  agreeable  appearance  to  the  eye.  The 
beautiful  flocks  and  herds  of  the  city,  driven  by 
weeping  burghers,  were  making  their  way  toward 
the  gates,  having  been  expelled  because  their  contin- 
uance in  the  city  was  inconsistent  with  the  dignity  of 
a  capital.     The  work  of  demolition  was  yet  going  on 


28         TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

in  the  vicinity  of  the  palace,  and  more  than  iifty 
houses  were  lying  in  ruins.  To  all  of  Dorn's  ques- 
tions, however,  the  corporal  had  but  one  answer :  — 
'  the  duke  wills  it.'  They  had  now  reached  the  castle. 
The  corporal  conducted  Dorn  through  the  crowd  of 
halbardiers,  footmen  and  pages,  to  the  ante-chamber 
of  the  audience-room,  where  fifty  of  the  body  guards 
were  on  duty.  Two  Silesian  noblemen,  ambassadors 
to  the  duke  from  Leignitz  and  Oels-Bernstadt,  were 
here  waiting  in  patient  humility  to  learn  if  the  dictator 
would  please  to  grant  them  an  audience. 

At  length  one  of  the  duke's  counsellors  canie  out 
of  the  audience-room,  and  with  insolent  hauteur 
beckoned  the  Leignitz  ambassador,  who  reverentially 
approached  the  proud  knight. 

'  What  you  have  delivered  to  my  lord  in  behalf  of 
your  province,'  said  the  counsellor,  with  contemptuous 
disrespect,  'he  will  take  into  consideration  and  com- 
municate his  pleasure  to  your  duke  at  the  next  assem- 
bly of  the  princes.  Your  complaints  against  the 
troops  are  not  deserving  of  consideration.  The  soldier 
must  have  something  for  his  trouble  and  toil.  In  that 
respect,  my  lord  has  far  heavier  and  more  just  com- 
plaints against  your  duke.  The  latter  has  put  a  man 
to  death  who  wished  to  take  service  in  our  army.' 

'  The  culprit  was  a  subject  of  our  duke,  and  a  wilful 
murderer,'  answered  the  ambassador.  'He  was  exe- 
cuted in  accordance  with  the  right  and  in  pursuance 
of  the  judgment  of  the  court  of  Aldermen  of  Leignitz.' 

'  No  court  of  justice,'  continued  the  counsellor,  '  may 


THE     LIGHTEN  STEINS.  29 

presume  to  punish  any  one  who  claims  the  Friedlan- 
der's  protection.  My  lord  directs  you  to  say  to  your 
duke,  that  he  must  send  him  two  hundred  infantry 
from  his  own  troops  as  an  indemnification,  or  the  heads 
of  a  dozen  of  the  Leignitz  nobility  shall  be  answerable 
for  the  neglect.' 

The  Leignitz  ambassador  retired  with  a  deadly 
paleness,  and  the  messenger  from  Oels-Bernstadt  was 
beckoned  to  approach. 

'  Duke  Wenzel,'  said  the  counsellor,  in  a  cutting 
tone,  '  has  ventured  to  hang  some  soldiers  of  count 
Terzky's  regiment.' 

*  As  robbers  taken  in  the  act,'  interposed  the  mes- 
senger ;  '  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of  the  generalis- 
simo himself,  to  keep  the  high  roads  safe,  and  punish 
all  convicted  criminals.' 

'  Terzky  has  written  to  him,'  continued  the  coun- 
sellor, without  noticing  the  interruption,  '  that  he  has 
ordered  the  same  number  of  the  prince's  counsellors 
to  be  hanged,  and  that  he  has  already  set  a  price  upon 
their  heads.  Thereupon  lord  Wenzel  immediately 
complained  to  the  emperor,  and  the  complaint,  as  was 
proper,  has  been  transmitted  to  my  master,  who  has 
decided  upon  the  affair.  He  directs  it  to  be  announ- 
ced to  your  master  that  he  approves  and  will  sustain 
the  acts  of  count  Terzky,  and  to  give  an  example  to 
the  Silesian  princes  generally,  the  principalities  and 
baronies  of  your  master  will  be  confiscated  and  divi- 
ded among  those  soldiers  who  have  merited  them  by 
their  services.  With  this  message  you  are  at  liberty 
3=^ 


30  TALES     FROiM     THE     GERMAN. 

to  depart.'  He  turned  his  back  upon  him  and  with  a 
haughty  step  returned  to  the  audience-room.  The 
messengers  departed  in  speechless  sorrow,  and  at  that 
moment  a  corporal  conducted  two  well  dressed  ladies 
into  the  ante-chamber.  They  were  closely  veiled  and 
weeping  bitterly.  Another  corporal  led  a  bound 
Wallensteiner,  with  wild,  staring  e3^es,  blue  lips  and 
bristling  hair,  through  the  ante-chamber  into  the  au- 
dience-room. The  ladies  now  looked  up,  and,  per- 
ceiving Dorn,  quickly  removed  their  veils.  He 
instantly  recognized  his  hospitable  hostess  and  her 
lovely  daughter. 

'  My  dear  Faith  ! '  cried  he  w^ith  tender  compassion ; 
but  the  corporal  rapped  him  upon  the  shoulder,  and 
whispered  to  him,  '  silence,  if  you  have  any  regard 
for  your  neck.  Without  the  duke's  permission  no 
word  must  be  uttered  here.' 

A  deep  and  awful  silence  now  prevailed  in  the 
ante-chamber,  broken  only  by  some  plaintive  tone 
which  occasionally  reached  them  through  the  double 
doors  which  separated  the  two  rooms.  An  angry 
voice  suddenly  cried  within,  '  let  the  brute  be  hang- 
ed ! '  — '  That  was  the  duke,'  whispered  one  of  the 
soldiers  to  another.  The  doors  opened,  and  the  delin- 
quent w^as  again  led  through  the  ante-chamber  by  his 
companion.  '  God  be  merciful  to  me  I '  stammered 
he,  as  he  staggered  onward  and  disappeared. 

Again  a  deep  silence,  again  the  doors  of  the  audi- 
ence-room opened,  and  the  counsellor  cried  out,  '  the 
Dane,  with  the  two  gentlewomen  !' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  31 

'  Forward  ! '  commanded  each  of  the  corporals,  and 
with  a  firm  step  Dorn  walked  into  the  hall,  supporting 
the  almost  fainting  females. 

A  tall  haggard  man,  with  a  dreadful  sternness  in 
his  yellow  face  and  small  twinkling  eyes,  frightfully 
expressive  of  anxiety,  a  magnificent  plumed  hat  upon 
his  short  red  head,  a  black  velvet  Spanish  jacket 
decked  with  the  stars  and  chains  of  various  orders,  an 
ermine-trimmed,  dark  violet-colored  velvet  mantle 
upon  his  shoulders,  was  standing  by  his  gilded  arm- 
chair before  a  table,  at  which  three  counsellors  and  a 
Jesuit  were  seated.  Six  barons  and  the  same  number 
of  knights,  stood  in  files  by  the  wall  in  respectful 
silence,  that  the  behests  of  the  all-powerful  noble 
might  be  followed  by  instant  execution,  as  the  deed 
follows  the  will,  or  thunder  the  lightning.  Behind 
the  arm-chair  stood  the  well  known  captain  of  the 
life  guards,  who  met  the  entering  group  with  a  smile 
of  Satanic  triumph. 

With  the  majesty  of  a  prince  of  the  lower  world, 
the  duke  advanced  to  Dorn,  looked  at  him  with  his 
little  piercing  eyes  as  though  he  would  interrogate 
his  soul,  and  in  a  gruff  repulsive  tone  asked  him, 
'  Danish  captain  ? ' 

'  By  virtue  of  this  commission,'  quietly  answered 
Dorn,  handing  the  document  to  him. 

The  duke  glanced  through  it,  gave  it  back  to  him, 
and  said,   '  a  prisoner  of  war,  then  !' 

'  When  count  Mannsfeld  was  driven  through  Silesia 
by  you,'  answered  Dorn,  '  I  was  left  in  Oels  severely 


32  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

wounded.  I  there  found  a  charitable  merchant  who 
had  my  wounds  healed  and  afterwards  took  me  with 
him  to  Schweidnitz.  Tired  of  the  trade  of  war,  I 
have  remained  there  for  the  last  two  years,  and  served 
my  benefactor  in  the  capacity  of  book-keeper.  Under 
these  circumstances,  I  leave  it  for  your  sense  of  jus- 
tice to  decide  whether  I  can  be  considered  a  prisoner 
of  war.' 

'  Or  spy  ? '  asked  the  duke. 

'  My  free  passport  remains  with  the  commandant  of 
the  city,'  answered  Dorn. 

'  What  was  your  object  in  coming  to  head  quar- 
ters ? '  asked  the  duke. 

'  To  bring  a  scholar  from  Schweidnitz,'  answered 
Dorn,  for  your  school  at  Gitschin,  and  to  take  back  to 
Schweidnitz  my  employer's  mother-in-law  and  her 
daughter.' 

'  Prove  it  ! '  cried  the  examiner. 

'  Send  to  the  merchant  Engelmann,'  said  Dorn  ; 
'  who  must  have  left  his  prison  last  evening  ;  and 
Madam  Rosen  must  yet  have  the  letter  which  she 
wrote  to  Schweidnitz  and  which  I  brought  back  to 
her  as  my  credential.' 

'  Here  is  the  unlucky  letter,'  sobbed  the  trembling 
widow,  handing  it  to  the  duke  on  bended  knee. 

He  took  it,  read,  and  turned  towards  the  captain. 
'  We  have  your  portrait  here,'  said  he  ;  *  not  flattered, 
but  well  drawn.  Did  you  know  the  object  of  his 
coming  here  ? ' 

The  captain  replied  only  by  stammering  some  unin- 
telligible words. 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  33 

'  He  wished  to  prevent  their  departure,'  said  Dorn. 

'  To  know  and  keep  siience,  is  called  lying  I '  ob- 
served the  duke,  with  anger.  Then  to  Dorn,  '  you 
have,  however,  abused  the  emperor  ! ' 

*  That  is  not  true  ! '  cried  the  latter  with  vehemence. 

'  He  drank  the  emperor's  health  with  the  captain  I ' 
cried  the  trembling  Faith,  encouraged  by  her  anxiety 
for  the  youth.  '  I  and  my  mother  are  witnesses,  and 
because  he  drank  the  emperor's  health,  the  captain 
pretended  that  he  had  enlisted  for  a  soldier.' 

'  Shame  upon  you  I '  thundered  the  duke.  *  Has  a 
lord  who  has  all  Europe  for  a  recruiting  ground,  need 
of  such  miserable  devices  ?  ' 

'  Here  is  a  heretic  conspiracy,'  cried  the  captain, 
'  planned  for  my  destruction.  This  woman  is  secretly 
a^  Lutheran,  together  with  her  daughter.  Already 
have  I  twice  watched  their  stolen  attendance  upon 
the  preacher  of  Eckensdorf.  For  that  reason  they 
have  called  the  Mannsfelder  here,  that  he  may  take 
them  to  heretical  Schweidnitz,  where  they  can  prac- 
tise their  idolatry  undisturbedly  ;  and  because,  out  of 
zeal  for  the  true  faith,  I  wished  to  prevent  their 
heathenish  abominations,  I  am  calumniated  by  the 
apostate  women  and  their  accomplice.' 

'  Heap  not  new  insults  upon  us,'  cried  Dorn,  for- 
getting in  whose  presence  he  stood.  '  You  know  that 
you  yet  owe  me  satisfaction  for  those  of  last  evening. 
You  promised  indeed  to  meet  me  this  morning  ;  but 
you  preferred  to  rob  me  of  my  liberty  and  the  ability 
to  punish  you  for  the  outrage  you  committed,  by  false 
charges.' 


34  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  Mannsfelder !  Mannsfelder  I '  exclaimed  the  duke, 
secretly  delighted  with  the*  boldness  of  the  warrior  ; 
'  We  also  are  yet  here  ! '  and  turning  to  the  captain, 
he  asked  ;  '  What  have  you  to  say  to  this  accusation  ? ' 

*  Challenged  and  not  appear!'  cried  he,  as  the 
captain  stood  mute,  with  frightfully  flashing  eyes. 
'  A  Friedlandish  captain  I  Announce  yourself  to  the 
officer  of  the  day  as  under  arrest,  and  immediately 
afterwards  seek  for  your  discharge.  You  can  no  longer 
serve  under  Wallenstein  ! ' 

'  Yet  the  captain's  information  with  regard  to  the 
secret  church-going  of  these  women  may  well  deserve 
some  consideration,'  remarked  the  Jesuit,  rising. 

*  A  soldier  should  be  no  priestly  spy,'  angrily  an- 
swered the  duke.  '  I  am  the  emperor's  generalissimo  ; 
but  not  his  inquisitor.  What  care  I  about  the  cate- 
chisms of  his  subjects.  They  may  believe  what  they 
like,  provided  they  but  give  what  they  should.  I 
adhere  to  my  decision.' 

With  a  devout  sigh  the  Jesuit  again  seated  himself ; 
and,  in  despair  at  the  rebound  of  his  last  arrow,  the 
captain  left  the  hall. 

With  a  kindness  which  strangely  suited  his  stony 
face,  the  duke  now  stepped  directly  to  Dorn  and 
slapped  him  upon  the  shoulder.  '  You  are  laconic 
and  resolute,'  said  he,  *  I  like  that ;  and  moreover  I 
must  have  seen  this  face  somewhere.' 

'  Perhaps  on  the  Elbe  near  Dessau,'  answered  Dorn. 

'  Right ! '  cried  the  duke.  '  You  are  the  oflicer  who 
held  the  last  entrenchment  with  such  obstinacv.     I 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  35 

liked  you,  even  then.  Will  you  become  a  major  in 
my  regiment  of  life-guards  ?  I  shall  conclude  a  peace 
with  Denmark  at  the  earliest  opportunity,  and  so  your 
Danish  commission  need  be  no  hindrance.' 

'  To  the  true  hero  the  truth  may  be  fearlessly 
spoken,'  said  Dorn.  '  I  cannot  fight  against  my  con- 
science.' 

'  I  regret  that  any  obstacle  deprives  me  of  your 
services,'  said  the  duke.  *  I  would  very  willingly  do 
something  to  oblige  you.     Ask  some  favor  of  me  ! ' 

*  I  have  only  to  ask  you,'  said  Dorn,  '  to  permit  me 
to  depart  immediately  for  Schweidnitz  with  these 
ladies,  and  also  your  permission  to  take  back  with  me 
the  poor  boy  whom  I  tore  from  his  friends  in  obedience 
to  your  commands.' 

*  Well,  take  the  whole  baggage,  comrade,'  said  the 
diike  benificently :  '  and  a  prosperous  journey  to  you  ! 
I  will  cause  the  necessary  papers  to  be  given  you.' 

The  duke  kindly  nodded  permission  to  retire,  and 
Dorn  led  the  ladies  from  the  hall. 

*  A  happy  escape  from  the  lion's  den  ! '  sighed  the 
matron  with  a  lighter  heart,  as  she  turned  her  back 
upon  the  palace. 

What  may  not  one  accomplish  who  is  a  man  in  the 
fullest  sense  of  the  word ! '  cried  the  enthusiastic  Faith, 
pressing  Dorn's  hand  to  her  heart. 

*  I  know  not,'  said  Dorn  pensively,  ^  whether  I  shall 
have  especial  reason  to  rejoice  at  the  turn  the  affair 
has  taken  or  not.  It  just  now  occurs  to  me  that  the 
dismission  of  your    persecutor  from  his    quarters   in 


36  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

your  house,  removes  the  evil  which  impelled  you  to 
leave  Sagan,  and  that  you  may  not  now  wish  to  accom- 
pany me  to  Schweidnitz.' 

'  O  !  we  have  on  many  accounts  long  desired  to  visit 
our  Katharine,'  said  Faith  with  great  earnestness. 
*  Our  house  can  never  remain  long  free  from  this 
detestable  quartering,  and  who  knows  how  the  next 
may  conduct  himself!  Besides,  I  fear  the  captain 
now  as  much  as  I  did  before.  He  has  lost  the  power 
of  tormenting  us,  and  his  bread  into  the  bargain.  He 
will  soon  be  released  from  the  guard-house,  and  a  bad 
man,  however  insignificant  may  be  his  situation,  has 
the  power  to  injure  with  the  will  I ' 

*  My  daughter's  zeal,'  smilingly  interposed  the 
matron. '  saves  me  the  trouble  of  explaining  my  reasons 
for  wishing  to  go  with  you.  Let  it  suffice,  that  we 
ride  with  you  to  Schweidnitz.' 


CHAPTER    IV. 


At  Schweidnitz,  on  new  year's  eve,  the  Fessel 
family  were  gathered  around  the  well  lighted  and 
richly  covered  table ;  but  no  one  had  an  inclination 
to  eat ;  for  Dorn,  the  idol  of  the  house,  was  still  absent, 
and  anxiety  for  her  beloved  relatives  saddened  the 
countenance  of  the  affectionate  Katharine. 

'  I  thought  master  Dorn  would  have  kept  his  word 
better,'  cried  the  impatient  Martin,  striking  the  empty 
seat  which  had  been  placed  near  him  for  the  expected 
traveler.  ^  The  supper  will  soon  be  over  and  still  he 
is  not  here.' 

^  He  will  yet  be  sure  to  come,'  said  the  confiding 
Ulrich.  *  God  grant  it,'  sighed  Katharine.  '  A  car- 
riage !  a  carriage ! '  cried  the  listening  daughters, 
running  to  the  window.  '  It  is  father's  horses  ! '  they 
shouted.  Out  ran  the  two  boys,  overthrowing  their 
seats  with  a  tremendous  racket ;  and,  as  if  there  had 
been  a  wager  among  the  four  children,  which  should 
first  break  their  necks,  they  all  rushed  out  of  the  door 
and  down  the  steep  stairs. 
4 


3S  TALES     FR03I     THE     GERMAN. 

*  Welcome  to  Schweidnitz,  my  dear  mother  I '  joy- 
fully cried  the  master  of  the  house  from  the  wmdow, 
to  which  he  also  had  hastened. 

*  Has  my  sister  come  with  you  ?  '  asked  the  anxious 
Katharine,  running  to  the  door.  The  children  had 
already  let  down  the  steps  of  the  carriage,  and  madam 
Rosen  with  her  daughter  hastened  to  meet  their 
expectant  friends.  The  cloaks  and  wrappers  soon  fell 
off,  and  mother  and  daughters  were  clasped  in  a  mutual 
embrace. 

'  Happily  redeemed  from  the  prison  of  the  hateful 
Holofernes  ? '  asked  Fessel,  affectionately  greeting  his 
mother-in-law. 

'  After  great  trouble  and  anxiety,'  answered  the 
widow,  drawing  a  long  breath,  whilst  the  attentive 
Katharine  was  busily  relieving  her  of  her  superfluous 
traveling  garments. 

'  Had  you  not  sent  us  so  bold  a  knight,'  said  Faith 
playfully  ;  *  to  rescue  us  from  the  terrible  giant,  we 
should  have  been  at  this  moment  sitting  in  Sagan, 
listening  to  the  insupportable  boastings  of  the  mon- 
ster.' 

'  Where  is  the  valiant  knight,  that  I  may  thank  him 
for  his  good  service  ? '    asked  Katharine. 

At  that  moment  Dorn  entered  the  room,  leading  the 
young  Engelmann  by  the  hand,  and  surrounded  by 
the  four  children  of  the  house. 

'  How  !  Do  you  bring  the  boy,  also  ? '  asked  the 
astonished  master,  warmly  embracing  his  book-keeper. 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS,  39 

*  He  has  permission  to  remain  and  pursue  his  studies 
here,'  answered  Dorn.  *  Here  is  the  Duke's  consent 
in  his  own  hand- writing.' 

'  You  must  understand  the  black  art,'  cried  the 
overjoyed  Fessel.  '  I  should  sooner  have  expected  to 
remove  the  everlasting  hills  from  their  foundations 
than  to  move  the  Friedlander  from  his  purpose.' 

*  I  could  not,  however,  save  your  property,'  said 
Dorn.  '  The  houses  already  lay  in  ruins,  and  all 
applications  for  indemnification  are  rejected  by  the 
ducal  court.' 

'  I  am  sorry  to  lose  the  capital,'  said  Fessel ;  for  I 
had  already  built  a  fine  speculation  upon  it ;  but 
you  have  saved  my  dear  friends,  and  so  in  God's 
name  let  the  guilders  go.  Now  seat  yourselves  and 
relate  to  me  circumstantially  how  this  eighth  wonder 
of  the  world  has  been  accomplished.' 

They  placed  themselves  at  table.  Dorn  obtained  a 
seat  near  the  charming  Faith  ;  and,  as  among  a  swarm 
of  bees,  narrations  and  corrections,  questions  and 
answers,  praise  and  astonishment,  fear,  anger  and 
laughter,  so  buzzed  about  the  table  that  the  business  of 
eating  was  scarcely  thought  of. 

*  Thank  God  we  are  finally  here  ! '  remarked  madam 
Rosen,  reaching  her  goblet  of  Hungary  wine  to  the 
book-keeper,  for  the  purpose  of  touching  his  glass. 
'  My  best  thanks,'  said  she  with  emotion,  and  at  the 
same  time  gave  an  intimation  to  Faith  to  follow  her 
example. 

*  Thank  me  not  so  much,  dear  madam,'  said  the 


40        TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

youth  with  a  pensive  air,  while  touching  glasses  with 
the  blushing  maiden ;  *  else  I  shall  have  my  whole 
reward  in  thanks.' 

'  And  in  consequence  lose  the  courage  to  ask  for  a 
dearer  one,'  jested  Katharine,  who  had  noticed  the 
glance  he  gave  her  sister. 

'  We  are  so  merry  to-night  !'  cried  Fessel's  young- 
est daughter,  the  little  Hedwig,  '  cannot  you  let  us 
have  the  play  of  the  light  boats  now,  dear  mother  ? 
You  promised  it  to  us  on  christmas  eve ;  which,  by 
the  by,  was  passed  sadly  enough.' 

'  Yes,  yes,  the  light  boats ! '  shouted  the  other 
children,  clapping  their  hands. 

*  Well,  bring  the  large  soup-dish,'  said  the  mother, 
who  could  refuse  nothing  to  her  youngest  daughter  ; 
*  but  be  careful  not  to  spill  the  water.' 

*  Glorious,  excellent  ! '  cried  the  children  in  chorus. 
Hedwig  flew  out  of  the  room ;  the  other  children 
produced  wax  candles  of  various  colors,  and  began 
cutting  them  into  innumerable  small  pieces ;  while 
Faith,  Dorn,  and  young  Engelmann,  were  instructed 
to  divide  the  walnuts,  of  which  the  table  furnished 
an  abundant  supply,  in  halves,  and  neatly  to  extricate 
the  kernels  without  injuring  the  shells. 

'  I  know  not  if  you  are  acquainted  with  this  play 
of  the  Silesian  children,'  said  Fessel,  laughing,  to 
Dorn.  '  It  was  omitted  by  us  last  year,  in  conse- 
quence of  my  wife's  illness.  It  is  a  solemn  oracle 
upon  matters  of  love,  marriage,  and  death.  The 
children,  however,  do  not  trouble   themselves  about 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  41 

the  serious  signification ;  but  only  take  pleasure  in 
the  movements  of  the  boats  and  in  splashing  the 
water.' 

The  door  now  opened,  and  little  Hedwig  stepped 
into  the  room,  with  the  large  dish  full  of  water  in 
her  hands,  with  a  solemn  and  consequential  air,  and 
deposited  her  burden  upon  the  centre  of  the  table. 

'  Now  put  the  lights  in  the  boats,'  commanded 
Martin ;  *  we  have  prepared  enough  of  them.'  A 
small  wax  taper  was  placed  in  each  shell,  projecting 
like  the  mast  of  a  boat. 

'  Who  shall  swim  first  ? '  asked  Elizabeth,  lighting 
the  tapers  in  two  of  the  boats. 

*  Mother  and  father  ! '  cried  the  others,  and  the 
shells  were  placed  in  the  platter  near  each  other, 
when  they  moved  forth  upon  the  clear  liquid  surface 
with  a  regular  motion,  and  burning  with  a  steady 
light,  until  they  reached  the  opposite  side  where 
they  quietly  remained. 

^  We  are  already  anchored  in  a  safe  haven,'  said 
Fessel  to  his  beloved  wife  ;  '  and  in  the  quiet  enjoy- 
ment of  domestic  happiness,  we  can  have  no  wish  to 
be  restlessly  driving  about  upon  the  open  seas.' 

'  Ah,  may  God  grant  that  the  troubles  of  the  times 
reach  us  not  in  our  safe  haven  and  rend  our  bark 
from  its  fast  anchorage,'  cried  the  true-hearted  Kath- 
arine with  timid  foreboding. 

At  this  moment  the  light  in  one  of  the  boats 
began  to  hiss  and  sputter,  and  after  flashing  for  an 
4# 


42  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

instant  was  extinguished,  amid  exclamations  of  sad 
surprise  from  the  children. 

'  What  does  that  forbode  ?  —  to  whom  does  that 
boat  belong  ? '  asked  Katharine,  smilingly. 

'  That  is  not  decided,'  eagerly  cried  Ulrich  ;  '  and 
the  whole  oracle  is  invalid.' 

*  Elizabeth  filled  the  boat  with  water  by  her  awk- 
wardness, when  she  started  it,'  announced  Martin, 
who  had  been  investigating  the  causes  of  the 
accident. 

'  Every  event  in  life  must  have  had  its  cause,' 
said  Fessel  with  more  earnestness  than  the  trifling 
accident  merited.  '  If  this  portends  the  extinguish- 
ment of  the  light  of  life  in  either  of  us,  I  pray  God  in 
mercy  to  grant  that  mine  may  be  the  first  to  expire.' 

*  Say  not  so,'  tenderly  replied  Katharine.  '  Our 
children  would  lose  in  you  their  only  stay.  Their 
mother  would  be  more  lightly  missed,  and  the  strong 
man  would  better  bear  the  sad  bereavement  than 
weak  and  helpless  woman.' 

'  Why  this  earnest  and  deep-meaning  conversation 
on  new  year's  evening  ? '  said  madam  Rosen,  half 
angry.  '  Come,  children ;  go  on  more  briskly  with 
your  play  and  give  us  something  pleasanter  to  think 
about.' 

'  Who  comes  next  ? '  asked  Elizabeth. 

'  Honor  to  whom  honor  is  due,'  laughed  Hedwig. 
'  Cousin  Faith  must  swim  now.' 

'  But  she  must  herself   decide  with  whom,'    said 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  43 

Fessel.  '  I  have  not  been  at  Sagan  for  some  years, 
and  know  not  who  has  made  himself  most  agreeable 
to  her.' 

*  Indeed,  I  know  not  whom  to  name  to  you,'  said 
the  maiden  with  a  low  tone  and  hesitating  manner, 
blushing  deeply  for  the  untruth  which  thus  escaped 
her  lips. 

'  Then  we  will  take  master  Dorn  for  the  occasion,' 
cried  the  obstreperous  Martin,  whose  natural  boldness 
was  increased  by  the  wine  he  had  tasted ;  *  he  is 
constantly  giving  Faith  such  friendly  glances  ! ' 

'  It  shall  be  so,'  shouted  Ulrich ;  *  and  they  shall 
have  the  handsomest  tapers.  Choose  your  own 
colors  ;  here  are  red,  and  green,  and  white,  and 
variegated.' 

'  Ked  for  Faith  and  green  for  me,'  quickly  cried 
Dorn,  silencing  the  maiden  by  a  gentle  pressure  of 
her  hand  under  the  table,  as  she  was  about  to  make 
some  objections. 

'  They  must  not,  however,  start  together  from  the 
shore,'  said  Ulrich.  *  Well,  do  you  set  the  red  ship 
on  that  side  and  I  will  place  the  green  one  here,' 
answered  Martin  ;  *  and  then  they  may  seek  each 
other  if  they  wish  to  come  together.' 

Brightly  burning,  the  little  barks  swam  tow^ards 
each  other  for  a  moment ;  then,  both  floated  to  the 
edge  of  the  platter  and  remained  motionless,  at  some 
little  distance  apart. 

'  Master  Dorn  is  too  indolent ! '  cried  Martin,  throw- 
ing a  nut-kernel  at  the  green  skiff'  to  urge  it  towards 


44  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

the  red ;  but  it  only  reeled  to  and  fro,  without 
removing  from  its  place. 

'  Insufferable  ! '  cried  Dorn.  At  that  moment  the 
water  became  slightly  agitated,  and  both  skiffs  left 
their  stations  at  the  side  for  the  open  sea. 

'  Faith  has  jostled  the  table  !'  cried  the  falcon-eyed 
Hedwig. 

'I  —  no  —  I  wish  to  hinder  their  meeting,'  stam- 
mered the  confused  Faith. 

'  Did  you  really  jostle  the  table,  dearest  maiden  ? ' 
asked  Dorn,  his  hand  again  seeking  hers. 

^  Ah,  ah,  my  daughter ! '  reprovingly  exclaimed 
madam  Eosen,  and  amid  the  exclamations  of  the 
children  the  two  skiifs  met  in  mid  ocean,  while  a 
gentle  pressure  from  Faith's  hand  gave  an  affirmative 
answer  to  the  bold  question  of  the  youth. 

The  joy  of  the  children,  which  the  grandmother's 
remonstrances  only  increased,  was  every  moment 
becoming  more  bold  and  noisy.  Without  aim  or 
object  a  crowd  of  lights  were  now  set  afloat  in  the 
mimic  ocean,  and  apple  cuttings  and  bread  bullets 
flew  like  bombs  among  them,  causing  immense 
damage  and  innumerable  shipwrecks.  'It  is  enough!' 
cried  Fessel,  the  disturbance  becoming  excessive, 
and  moved  his  chair  from  the  table.  A  respectful 
silence  succeeded  the  wild  tumult.  The  children 
dutifully  arose,  folded  their  hands  with  a  serious  air, 
and  Martin  said  grace  with  decent  solemnity. 

The  mistress  of  the  house  now  invited  her  beloved 
guests  to  retire  to  rest ;  that  they  might  sleep  away 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  45 

the  fatigues  of  the  day  ;  but  the  children,  who  had 
again  become  as  noisy  as  ever,  and  had  not  the  least 
inclination  to  sleep,  strongly  opposed  the  movement. 

'  It  would  be  fine  indeed,'  cried  Martin,  *  if  we 
should  have  no  waiting  of  notes.' 

*  Pra}",  pray,  dear  mother  ! '  entreated  the  flattering 
and  constant  petitioner,  Hedwig.  '  You  well  know 
that  you  promised  me,  if  I  filled  a  writing  book 
without  blotting,  that  I  should  be  indulged  with 
writing  notes,  on  new  year's  evening.  My  last 
writing  book  is  without  a  spot,  and  you  must  now 
keep  your  word.' 

'  Children  are  the  most  inexorable  creditors,'  said 
Fessel,  directing  little  Ulrich  to  bring  the  waiting 
materials  from  the  counting-room,  while  the  table 
was  being  cleared. 

'  This  is  a  strange  remnant  of  the  old  heathen 
times,'  explained  Fessel  to  the  book-keeper,  who 
looked  inquiringly  at  him.  *  It  is  a  form  of  new 
year's  congratulation,  and  an  oracle  at  the  same  time. 
You  write  three  several  wishes  upon  three  slips  of 
paper,  which  you  fold  and  give  to  the  person  w^ho 
would  try  his  fate.  These  wishes  may  be,  honors, 
offices  and  success  in  business,  to  the  men,  —  chains, 
bracelets,  and  new  dresses,  to  the  women,  —  agreea- 
ble suitors  to  maidens.  All  place  the  notes  they 
have  received  under  their  pillows,  and  the  wish 
contained  in  the  one  which  is  first  opened  on  new 
year's  morning  shall  be  fulfilled  in  the  course  of  the 
current  year.' 


46        TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

*  I  always  take  great  pleasure  in  this  sport,'  said 
Katharine  to  her  mother ;  '  my  husband  is  always  so 
anxious  to  fulfil  his  oracle  and  to  present  me  what 
is  wished  me  in  the  note  I  open.' 

'There  comes  Ulrich!'  screamed  the  children,  as 
he  entered,  heavily  laden,  and  deposited  his  burden 
upon  the  table.  The  notes  were  prepared,  and  the 
whole  family  were  soon  seated  around  the  table, 
moving  their  pens  as  assiduously  as  if  an  instrument 
was  to  be  drawn  for  securing  religious  liberty. 
Amidst  the  scratching  of  the  pens,  which  were  very 
awkwardly  handled  by  the  younger  children,  and 
therefore  made  the  more  noise,  arose  the  admonitions 
of  the  father  to  sit  erect,  and  of  the  mother  not  to 
bespatter  themselves  with  ink  ;  which  admonitions 
were  obeyed  just  so  long  as  they  were  heard. 
Meanwhile  Dorn  was  sharply  watching  the  paper 
upon  which  Faith  was  writing  ;  who,  as  soon  as  she 
became  aware  of  it,  covered  the  writing  with  her 
little  hand  and  whispered  to  him  :  '  If  you  watch 
me,  you  will  get  no  packet  from  me  to-night.'  He 
discreetly  drew  back  and  began  writing  his  notes. 

Fessel  now  strewed  sand  upon  his  last  note, 
enclosed  it  with  the  others  and  gave  the  packet  with 
a  kiss  to  his  Katharine.  The  children  snapped  their 
pens  to  the  infinite  damage  of  the  well  scoured  white 
floor,  for  which  their  grandmother  very  properly 
scolded  them.  Dorn  handed  his  packet  to  the 
beauteous  Faith,  who  hid  hers  in  her  bosom,  stren- 
uously asserting  that  she  could  think  of  nothing  to 
write. 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  47 

The  clock  now  struck  the  midnight  hour,  and  a 
peal  of  bells  from  the  tower  of  the  city  hall  greeted 
the  new  year. 

*  A  happy  new  year  !  a  happy  new  year  ! '  shouted 
the  children,  springing  from  their  seats;  and  the  im- 
petuous Hedwig  proposed  to  open  the  notes  directly, 
as  the  new  year  had  already  commenced ;  but  Fessel 
interposed  his  decided  negative  and  commanded  them 
to  defer  it  until  the  actual  rising  of  the  new  year  sun. 

Amid  the  noise  and  confusion  of  the  thousand  new 
year  congratulations,  Dorn  once  more  approached  the 
lovely  Faith. 

'  Must  I  enter  upon  the  new  year  without  one  kind 
wish  from  you  ? '  he  pensively  asked.  She  looked  at 
him  with  embarrassment  and  irresolution.  At  that 
moment  she  was  called  by  her  mother  who  was  already 
standing  in  the  door.  The  startling  call  helped  her 
to  come  to  a  decision,  and,  suddenly  drawing  the 
packet  from  her  bosom  and  smilingly  placing  it  in 
Dorn's  hand,  she  hastened  after  her  mother. 

Long  did  the  youth  hold  the  much  coveted  packet 
pressed  to  his  lips.  '  How  much  earthly  happiness,' 
said  he  to  himself  with  deep  emotion,  '  have  I  de- 
stroyed in  my  military  career.  Do  I  indeed  deserve 
that  love  should  crown  me  with  its  freshest  wreaths 
in  a  land  I  have  helped  to  lay  waste  ?  ' 

Dorn,  who  had  retired  late  and  awoke  betimes 
with  the  interesting  little  packet  under  his  pillow, 
found  himself  at  an  early  hour  leaning  against  a 
window  in  the  family  parlor,  and  engaged  in  examin- 


48         TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

ing  a  delicate  little  note.  While  thus  occupied,  Faith, 
impelled  by  a  similar  restlessness,  entered  the  room. 
As  she  perceived  him  whose  image  had  embellished 
her  dreams,  an  enchanting  blush  overspread  her 
delicate  face,  and  her  beautiful  blue  eyes  beamed 
with  love  and  joy  ;  but  when  Dorn,  enraptured  at  the 
encounter,  affectionately  tendered  her  the  congratula- 
tions appropriate  to  the  new  year's  morning,  changing 
her  mood  she  turned  away  from  him  with  feigned 
displeasure  and  exclaimed  :  '  Pshaw,  captain !  I  am 
angry  with  you.  You  have  wished  me  two  horrible 
suitors.' 

*  Before  I  undertake  to  exculpate  myself,'  said 
Dorn,  '  only  tell  me  which  you  drew  from  the  packet.' 

*  The  duke  of  Friedland,'  stammered  the  embar- 
rassed maiden  with  downcast  eyes. 

*  Look  me  directlv  in  the  eye  ! '  cried  Dorn,  seizinof 
the  hand  of  the  unpractised  dissembler.  '  Did  you 
really  draw  no  other  name  ? ' 

'  Ah,  let  me  go,'  she  murmured,  her  confusion  and 
maidenly  timidity  rendering  her  still  more  charming. 

'You  do  not  once  ask  what  wish  I  have  drawn  ! ' 
said  Dorn,  holding  up  his  note. 

'  Who  knows  whether  you  would  tell  me  the  truth,' 
answered  Faith. 

'  Have  a  care,'  cried  Dorn.  '  The  suspicion  can 
only  spring  from  a  consciousness  that  you  have 
deceived  me,  and  that  is  not  fair.  I  will  set  you 
an  example  of  ingenuousness.  You  wished  a  poor 
mortal   to  choose   amonof  three  daughters  of  heaven. 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  49 

Love,  Hope,  andFaitb,  were  inscribed  upon  your  three 
notes.  My  good  genius  helped  me  to  the  best  choice. 
Love  I  already  had  deep  in  my  heart  from  the  mo- 
ment I  first  saw  you  ;  Hope  visited  me  last  evening  ; 
and  I  only  lacked  Faith  in  the  certainty  of  my  good 
fortune.     I  drew  it  with  this  note.' 

'  A  gallant  officer  well  knoAVS  how  to  convert  trifles 
into  matters  of  importance,'  said  the  maiden,  repel- 
ling the  persevering  youth.  '  I  wrote  the  three  names 
for  you,  merely  in  jest,  Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity, 
because  they  follow  each  other  in  the  calendar.' 

^  Only  for  that  reason  ? '  asked  Dorn  in  a  tender 
tone,  throwing  his  arms  around  her  slender  waist. 
Endeavoring  to  push  him  gently  back  with  her  right 
hand,  she  dropped  a  note  which  Dorn  caught  up  and 
read  before  she  could  hinder  him. 

'  Victoria  ! '  shouted  he.  '  You  have  draAvn  my 
name,  as  I  have  drawn  yours.  Who  can  doubt  now 
that  we  are  destined  for  each  other  ?  Obey  the 
friendly  oracle,  dear  maiden,  and  become  mine,  as  I 
am  yours,  in  life  and  death.' 

He  embraced  the  lovely  creature  more  ardently, 
while  she,  no  longer  able  to  withstand  the  solicitations 
of  the  youth  and  the  pleadings  of  her  own  heart,  sank 
on  his  bosom,  and  exclaimed  in  low  accents  :  '  Thine, 
forever.' 

5 


CHAPTER    V. 


*  Well,  really,  master  Dorn,  you  begin  the  porten- 
tous new  year  upon  which  we  are  entering  in  a  very 
worldly  manner,'  cried  a  reproving  voice  behind  them. 
Faith  shrieked  with  terror  that  those  blessed  moments 
should  have  had  a  witness,  and  fled  from  the  room. 
At  the  same  time  Dorn,-  displeased  at  the  awkward 
interruption,  turned  suddenly  round  and  stood  facing 
the  parson,  who  viewed  him  with  severe  and  reproach- 
ful looks.  '  Is  it  well,'  at  length  said  the  angry 
preacher,  '  to  seduce  the  inconsiderate  sister-in-law  of 
your  brother  and  benefactor  into  an  amorous  intrigue  ? ' 

*  You  are  right,  reverend  sir,'  answered  Dorn  ;  *  that 
would  be  to  do  him  foul  wrong ;  but  to  seek  the  hon- 
orable love  of  a  maiden  whom  I  hope  one  day  to  lead 
to  the  altar  as  my  beloved  wife,  appears  to  me  to  be 
well,  and  is  not  forbidden  in  the  holy  scriptures.' 

'  You  wish  to  espouse  the  maiden,  then  ? '  said  the 
parson  ;  '  that  is  quite  a  different  thing,  and  I  take 
back  my  censure.  In  that  case  my  office  imposes  upon 
me  another  sacred  duty.  The  maiden  is  now  under 
my  spiritual  care,  and  I  must  be  answerable  to  heaven 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  51 

for  her  religious  principles,  which  might  be  perverted 
by  an  unbelieving  husband.  I  have  become  doubtful 
of  you,  from  your  own  conversations,  and  therefore,  as 
a  called  and  ordained  servant  of  the  word,  I  ask  you, 
are  you  an  orthodox  Lutheran  christian  V 

'  You  would  find  it  very  difficult  to  justify  that 
question  before  the  great  author  of  your  reformation,' 
answered  Dorn,  moodily.  '  Know  you  not  how 
peremptorily  he  forbade  the  professors  of  his  doctrines 
to  designate  themselves  by  his  name  ? ' 

*  You  wish  to  evade  my  question  ! '  cried  the  parson, 
feeling  the  sting,  but  endeavoring  to  conceal  the  smart. 

'  That  is  not  my  custom,'  said  Dorn.  '  I  will  never 
deny  that  I  adhere  to  the  doctrines  which  were  first 
promulgated  in  Switzerland,  and  have  thence  spread 
throughout  the  German  empire.' 

'  As  I  feared  ! '  cried  the  parson.  '  A  Calvinist,  or 
perhaps  even  a  Zuinglian  !  and  you  wish  to  take  a 
wife  of  the  Augsburg  faith  ? ' 

*  Why  not  ? '  asked  Dorn.  '  That  God  who  has 
disposed  my  heart  toward  the  maiden,  will  not  be 
angry  that  I  choose  her  as  my  companion  for  life.' 

'  I  much  doubt  whether  you  can  have  and  keep  a 
true  heart  for  one  who  is  of  a  different  faith,'  said  the 
parson,  shaking  his  head. 

'  God,  who  is  eternal  love,  pardon  you  for  the  doubt, 
reverend  sir,'  said  Dorn  with  emotion.  *  It  is  a  sad 
consideration,  that  contentions  about  unimportant  dog- 
mas and  forms  so  frequently  divide  christians  who 


52  TALES     f!10M     the     GERMAN. 

should  stand  united  against  the  common  enemy.  It 
would  be  dreadful  if  the  feeble  chains  by  which  you 
are  yet  fettered,  after  throwing-  off  those  of  popery, 
should  bar  the  way  between  two  innocent  individuals, 
whose  souls  have  become  united  by  the  bonds  of  holy 
love.' 

*  Unimportant  dogmas  and  forms  ? '  repeated  the 
parson. 

'  I  consider  them  so,'  answered  Dorn.  'Adhering 
to  the  words  of  Christ,  we  celebrate,  in  the  Lord's 
supper,  only  a  holy  remembrance  of  the  Savior  ;  while 
you,  by  virtue  of  the  same  words,  find  therein  a  mys- 
terious presence  of  his  body  and  his  blood.  You 
ornament  your  churches  with  pictures,  of  which  prac- 
tice we  disapprove.  Are  such  differences  really 
sufficient  grounds  for  the  quarrels  and  contentions 
which  the  followers  of  both  confessions  continue  to 
wage  against  each  other  with  such  reprehensible 
bitterness  ? ' 

*  You  wilfully  overlook  a  principal  point,'  said  the 
parson ;  *  the  almost  insurmountable  partition  wall 
which  your  Calvin  has  raised  between  you  and  us. 
I  mean  your  monstrous  doctrine  of  election.  Aliis 
vita  cBterna,  aliis  damnatio  ceterna  prcBordinatur ! 
How  can  you  reconcile  this  declaration  with  infinite 
love  and  eternal  j  ustice  ? ' 

'  I  willingly  give  up  these  doctrines  to  your  disposal,' 
answered  Dorn ;  '  for  they  have  never  formed  a  part 
of  my  creed.      Even   Calvin  himself  stated,  that  he 


THE     LICHTENS'BEINS.  53 

had  some  scruples  whether  predestination  could  be 
reconciled  with  God's  wisdom,  the  rock  upon  which 
this  doctrine  has  always  foundered.' 

*  I  take  this  concession  for  all  it  is  worth,'  said  the 
parson  ;  '  but  I  cannot  pass  over  your  assertion,  that 
our  difference  upon  the  subject  of  the  Lord's  supper  is 
a  contest  de  lana  caprina.  Because  your  presumptuous 
reason  cannot  comprehend  the  declaration  of  our 
Savior,  '  this  is  my  body,'  you  wish  to  strike  it  out  of 
the  bible ;  but  this  we  cannot  permit ;  because  we 
cannot  give  up  one  tittle  of  God's  word,  and  because 
the  communion  solemnity  falls  to  the  ground  when 
the  mystery  becomes  robbed  of  the  wings  which 
bear  it  up  to  heaven.  If,  how^ever,  you  take  away 
from  the  holy  scriptures  all  that  is  not  clear  to  you, 
nothing  will  remain  but  a  good  sensible  book,  but  with 
no  high  revelation  which  can  only  be  received  by 
pious  faith.  If  you  can  see  nothing  in  the  sacrament 
of  the  Lord's  supper  but  a  remembrance  of  its  founder, 
you  need  not  partake  of  the  bread  and  wine.  Without 
this  medium  it  would  be  impossible  for  us  to  forget  our 
Lord  and  Master.' 

'  Sensual  man,'  answered  Dorn,  '  needs  sensible 
signs  as  symbols  of  spiritual  things.  To  be  reminded 
of  the  author  of  our  religion  is  to  be  reminded  of  his 
doctrines  ;  and  as  he  established  this  solemnity  and 
consecrated  it  to  the  remembrance  of  himself  on  the 
evening  before  the  death  with  which  he  sealed  his 
doctrines,  so  must  it,  according  to  our  creed,  be 
deemed  sacred  —  must  soften  and  purify  our  hearts, 
5=^ 


54  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

and  inspire  us  with  devout  and  holy  resolutions,  which 
is  the  important  point  in  question  for  you  as  well  as 
us.  We  consider  the  mystery  unnecessary,  and 
we  have  the  voices  of  the  earliest  churches  with  us, 
as  the  transubstantiation  doctrine  of  Paschasius  Rad- 
bertus,  from  which  yours  but  very  little  differs,  was 
first  heard  of  in  the  ninth  century.' 

'  For  a  book-keeper  and  ci-devant  military  officer 
you  are  deeply  learned,'  remarked  the  somewhat 
excited  preacher. 

'  My  early  religious  education,'  answered  Dorn, 
'  Avas  superintended  by  a  well  informed,  clear  headed 
Bernardino  monk,  who  afterwards,  like  myself,  went 
over  to  Zuinglius's  belief.  I  may  thank  him  that  I 
at  least  know  what  the  point  in  dispute  is,  —  a  knowl- 
edge which,  alas,  is  needed  by  many  thousands  of  our 
brethren  in  the  faith.' 

*  I  supposed  something  like  that,'  said  the  parson. 
'  But  I  interrupted  you.  Proceed  with  your  pretended 
refutation  of  my  arguments.' 

'  Excuse  me  from  answering  further,'  modestly 
replied  Dorn. 

'  Because  you  cannot  answer  them  I '  exclaimed  the 
parson  in  imaginary  triumph. 

'  These  controversial  battles,'  calmly  continued  Dorn, 
'  have  been  too  often  fought  in  vain  for  me  to  hope  that 
we  can  be  brought  to  agree.  I  have  not  endeavored 
to  defend  my  doctrines  ;  but  only  to  show  that  a 
difference  in  creeds  need  not  divide  hearts.  I  abide 
by  my  tenets  ;  but  I  believe  that  you  also  may  attain 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  55 

salvation  with  yours.  Believe  you  the  same  of  mine, 
as  I  doubt  not  you  do,  and  we  can  readily  co-operate 
for  the  advancement  of  the  good  cause.  The  remain- 
ing topics  of  difference  are  not  essential.  Here  it  only 
concerns  us,  setting  aside  the  creeds  of  men,  to  hold 
the  doctrines  of  Christ  as  the  true  teachings  of  God's 
holy  word,  and  by  them  so  to  govern  our  minds  and 
actions  that  we  may  win  the  approbation  of  a  good 
conscience,  a  serene  dying  hour,  and  a  merciful 
judgment.  That,  in  my  opinion,  is  the  true,  living, 
christian  faith ;  and  whoever  has  it  is  our  brother  in 
Christ,  whether  he  calls  himself  Lutheran,  Calvinist, 
Zuinglian,  or  even  catholic' 

'  My  God  !  you  are  then  not  even  a  Zuinglian  ! ' 
angrily  exclaimed  the  parson.  '  This  despicable  tol- 
eration of  all  opinions  is  godless  indifference,  behind 
which  naturalism  and  deism  conceal  themselves. 
Were  you  an  intelligent  and  confirmed  heretic,  the 
argument  might  be  continued ;  but  you  are  nothing 
but  an  eclecticus^  who  seeks  in  Christianity  just  so  much 
as  suits  his  purpose,  and  throws  the  rest  aside  ! ' 

'  Paul  said,  '  prove  all  things  and  hold  fast  that 
which  is  good,'  '  interposed  Dorn. 

'  I  am  well  satisfied  that  you  do  not  desire  to  know 
any  thing  of  the  true  faith,'  continued  the  parson  ; 
'  and  yet  it  is  the  only  foundation  of  our  religion. 
Know  you  not  that  Christ  himself  has  said,  '  he  that 
believeth  not  shall  be  damned  ? '   ' 

'  If  you  could  convince  me,'  angrily  remarked  Dorn, 
'  that    Christ    intended    those    words    to    mean   what 


56        TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

intolerance  would  construe  them,  I  would  become  a 
heathen  from  this  moment,  and  joyfully  take  my 
portion  in  that  hell  in  which  the  noble  Socrates  and 
just  Aristides  are  burning.' 

The  parson  started  back  with  a  shudder.  Dorn 
checked  himself  and  continued  in  a  subdued  tone  ;  '  Be 
not  alarmed,  reverend  sir,  at  my  audacious  words. 
My  belief  is  not  so  bad  as  you  fear.  Would  to  God 
all  christians  had  it,  and  then  much  less  of  tears 
and  blood  would  be  made  to  flow.  Now  repeat  to  me, 
quickly  and  peacefully  to  end  our  strife,  that  which 
Christ  pronounced  to  be  the  chief  commandment  of 
God.' 

*  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  thy  neighbor  as  thyself,'  said  the  parson. 

'  Even  thine  enemy ! '  added  Dorn.  '  How  much  more 
then  those  who  only  differ  from  us  in  opinion  I  Here 
you  have  my  profession  of  faith,  and  I  trust  in  God 
that  I  shall  be  able  to  stand  before  him  at  the  last  day 
with  it.' 

'  You  confound  ideas,'  cried  the  vexed  parson. 
'  You  speak  of  christian  ethics,  and  I  am  reasoning 
only  of  the  articles  of  faith.' 

*  Devised  by  men  ! '  said  Dorn.  *  I  hold  the  chief 
point- to  be  the  observance  of  the  system  of  morals 
taught  by  Christ.     Do  not  you  also  ? ' 

'  No  ! '  emphatically  exclaimed  the  parson  after  a 
short  pause. 

'  No  ? '  asked  Dorn  with  some  surprise.  '  The  divine 
doctrine  that  we  must  live  devoutly  to  die  happily. 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  57 

not  the  substance  of  our  religion  !  Ah,  my  dear  sir, 
it  was  your  cloth,  and  not  your  head  or  heart,  which 
dictated  that  negative.  You  are  too  good  and  too 
intelligent  not  to  be  of  my  opinion.' 

'  Ah,  do  not  press  me  with  such  argumenta  ad 
hominem^^  said  the  parson  with  excited  but  not  un- 
friendly feelings.  '  In  point  of  fact  there  can  be  no 
disputing  about  matters  of  faith.  It  must  come  from 
within,  and  cannot  be  derived  from  without.  Never- 
theless I  do  not  for  that  reason  give  you  up.  A  time 
will  come  when  you  will  be  no  longer  satisfied  with 
cold  syllogisms,  and  you  will  then  seek  a  refuge  in 
the  open  maternal  arms  of  the  true  faith,  in  which  only 
you  can  find  peace.  Until  when,  only  let  your  conduct 
be  as  fair  as  your  speech,  and  I  shall  at  all  events  hope 
that  the  maiden  will  not  have  made  a  bad  choice. 
One  thing,  however,  you  must  promise  me  with  hand 
and  word.  Urge  not  upon  your  future  wife  your  un- 
belief, or  half  belief,  or  whatever  else  you  may  choose 
to  call  it.  Cause  her  not  to  waver  in  her  own,  which 
she  has  imbibed  with  her  mother's  milk.  Yet  more 
than  the  strong  and  self-relying  man  does  weak,  deli- 
cate and  suffering  woman  need  a  steadfast  faith.  You 
would  rob  her  of  a  belief,  which  is  capable  of  sustaining 
her  in  the  hour  of  sorrow  and  trial,  and  give  her  nothing 
in  return  but  cheerless  and  disconsolate  doubt ;  which 
would  be  an  exchange  unworthy  of  the  magnanimity 
of  a  man.' 

'  In  this  case  you  are  for  once  wholly  right,  my  worthy 
friend,'  said  Dorn  :  *  and  I  promise  you  with  this  hand- 


DO         TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

gri])^  by  God  and  my  honor,  to  do  as  you  require.  Now 
let  a  lasting  peace  be  concluded  between  us.  When 
we  hereafter  meet  above,  as  I  firmly  believe  we  shall, 
when  the  scales  shall  fall  from  our  eyes,  when  we 
shall  clearly  see  what  we  perceive  but  dimly  here 
below,  then  shall  we  as  surely  be  one  in  knowledge 
as  we  now  are  in  feeling,  and  side  by  side  before  the 
throne  of  the  father  of  all  men  shall  we  unite  w^ith 
full  hearts  in  the  song  of  praise  to  the  one  true  God.' 

*  So  may  it  be ! '  cried  the  parson,  pressing  the  youth's 
hand  and  leaving  the  room  with  visible  emotion. 


CHAPTER    VI. 


In  the  forenoon  of  the  20th  January,  1629,  a  joj^ful 
bustle  prevailed  in  Fessel's  house.  The  floors  and 
steps  were  carefully  swept,  strewed  with  a  beau- 
tiful yellow  sand,  and  adorned  with  evergreens.  A 
large  fire  was  crackling  in  the  kitchen,  before  which 
the  spit  was  turning,  and  pots  and  stew-pans  were 
steaming.  The  diligent  housewife,  notwithstanding 
the  ready  assistance  of  her  mother,  had  her  hands  full 
of  business  ;  her  two  daughters,  who  insisted  on 
being  employed,  hindered  more  than  they  aided  her  ; 
and  the  sons  who,  with  their  cousin  Engelmarm,  had 
just  returned  from  school,  raced  about  the  house  like 
wild  animals,  practically  illustrating  the  '  Dulce  est 
desipere  in  loco^^  which  they  had  that  day  construed 
in  their  class.  In  short,  it  was  the  betrothing  day  of 
the  beauteous  Faith  and  Fessel's  new  partner  in 
business,  master  Dorn. 

The  interesting  pair  had  just  returned  from  the 
church,  where,  in  pursuance  of  a  good  old  custom, 
they  had  made  their  mutual  engagements  in  the 
presence  of  their  God,  and  commended  themselves  to 


60  TALES     FROM     THE     GER3IAX. 

his  protection  by  pious  prayer.  In  the  house-door 
they  encountered  their  brother-in-law,  who  was  re- 
turning from  the  city  council-room,  where  his  attend- 
ance had  a  short  time  before  been  required.  He  was, 
however,  unusually  pale,  returned  but  brief  thanks 
for  the  joyous  greeting  of  the  lovers,  and  silently 
mounted  the  stairs  with  a  slow  and  dull  motion,  as  if 
he  had  been  troubled  with  asthma. 

'  In  God's  name,  my  brother,  what  has  happened 
to  you  ? '  cried  Dorn,  returning  from  the  kitchen, 
where  he  had  left  his  fair  companion. 

'  Dark  clouds  are  beginning  to  overshadow  our 
horizon,'  answered  Fessel,  with  anxious  concern. 
'  Colonel  von  Goes  has  arrived,  and  demands  permis- 
sion to  march  through  the  city  with  seven  squadrons 
of  the  Lichtensteins.' 

'  Goes  I'  exclaimed  Dorn,  becoming  paler  than  his 
brother-in-law,  and  covering  his  face  with  his  hands. 

^  ^Miat  is  the  matter  with  you  ?'  asked  the  aston- 
ished Fessel.  '  Do  you  know  so  much  evil  of  the 
man  ? ' 

'  From  the  knowledge  I  obtained  of  him  during  my 
military  service,'  answered  Dorn,  making  an  effort  to 
command  himself,  '  I  may  pronounce  him  a  good 
soldier,  and  a  man  of  honor  ;  but  he  adheres  to  the 
catholic  faith  with  ferocious  zeal.' 

'  "We  are  under  no  obligation,'  continued  Fessel, 
'  to  admit  troops  within  our  walls,  except  upon  the 
especial  command  of  his  imperial  majesty  .   .   .   .' 

'You  will  not  do  so  on  this  occasion  I'  exclaimed 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  61 

Dorn  with  fearful  vehemence.  '  You  will  render  the 
people  of  your  city  miserable  if  you  open  your  gates 
to  these  dreadful  protectors.  They  have  given  a 
specimen  of  the  manner  in  which  they  treat  protest- 
ants,  at  Glogau.' 

'  What  can  we  do  ? '  said  Fessel,  shrugging  his 
shoulders.  '  The  honorable  council  have  a  great 
inclination  to  admit  them,  and  for  that  purpose  hastily 
called  some  of  the  most  respectable  burghers  to  the 
town-house,  to  give  their  opinions  as  to  what  answer 
should  be  returned  to  the  request.  We  honestly  stated 
to  the  gentlemen  what  we  expected  of  them.  The 
colonel  then  remarked,  that  he  hoped  we  would  not 
show  such  disrespect  to  the  imperial  troops,  as  to 
compel  them  to  take  a  wide  circuit  round  the  city  in 
the  present  cold  state  of  the  weather.  He  then  pro- 
ceeded solemnly  to  swear  and  protest,  that  he  only 
desired  a  passage  through  the  city,  and  a  brief  rest 
for  the  refreshment  and  recovery  of  the  frozen.  In- 
deed, he  said  he  would  have  no  part  in  God's  king- 
dom, if  any  citizen  were  injured  in  consequence  of 
the  granting  of  his  request.' 

'  For  God's  sake,  trust  not  to  that  oath,'  begged 
Dorn.' 

'  If  the  colonel  be  a  man  of  honor,  as  you  say, 
wherefore  not  ? '  asked  Fessel  with  surprise. 

'  Have  you  forgotten  that  horrible  saying,   hcereticis 

Tion  est  servanda  fides  V  cried  Dorn.     '  No  time  is  to 

be  lost  in  averting  the  evil.     The  council  is  still  in 

session.     I  will   accompany  you   to   the   town-house, 

6 


62        TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

and  ask  leave  to  address  them  upon  this  matter* 
Schweidnitz  must  not  open  her  gates  to  these  hordes. 
They  certainly  can  show  no  mandate  from  the  empe- 
ror, and  if  the  worst  come,  we  have  walls  and  ditches, 
and  strong  burgher  hands  accustomed  to  the  use  of 
arms,  to  defend  our  dearest  treasure,  religious 
freedom.' 

During  this  conversation,  he  had  with  eager  impet- 
uosity drawn  his  brother-in-law  towards  the  door. 
There  they  heard  the  distant  notes  of  a  march  from 
trumpets,  clarions  and  kettle-drums,  and  the  confused 
murmurs  of  a  crowd  reached  them  from  the  great 
public  square. 

'  We  are  too  late,'  sighed  Fessel.  '  The  music 
comes  from  the  direction  of  the  Striegauer-gate.  The 
Lichtensteins  are  already  in  the  city.' 

*  Then  may  God  by  some  miracle  give  the  lie  to 
my  fears,  and  Goes  keep  his  word  I '  cried  Dorn.  *  I 
anticipate  dreadful  scenes.' 

Fessel  opened  the  window  and  listened  to  the  music, 
which  at  first  appeared  to  approach,  but  afterwards 
sounded  fainter  and  fainter  as  if  receding.  '  Do  you 
hear  ? '  said  he  to  his  distrusting  brother-in-law,  '  you 
owe  an  apology  to  the  worthy  colonel  for  your  suspi- 
cions. The  troops  are  already  passing  out  by  the 
Nieder-gate>' 

'  God  grant  it  may  be  so,'  sighed  Dorn,  placing 
himself  by  Fessel's  side  at  the  window.  '  I  am  not 
yet  satisfied  of  the  fact,  however.'  Both  continued 
listening  to  the  last  dying  tones  of  the  march. 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  63 

*  How  the  ear  can  deceive  one  ! '  said  Fessel.  '  It 
now  seems  to  me  as  if  the  music  were  again 
approaching.' 

'  I  fear  it  does  not  deceive  you  this  time,'  answered 
Dorn  significantly.  At  that  moment  a  cry  of  fear  and 
anguish  arose  along  the  main  street,  and  the  worthy 
serjeant-at-arms  of  the  city  council  was  seen  breath- 
lessly running  toward  the  town-house. 

'  Whither  with  such  haste  ? '  cried  Fessel  to  him 
from  the  window. 

'  God  be  merciful  to  us  I '  cried  the  serjeant.  '  The 
soldiers  have  made  a  halt  at  the  Nieder-gate,  have 
relieved  and  dismissed  the  burgher  guard  there,  and, 
turning  to  the  left  about,  are  now  marching  up  the 
main  street. 

'  That  indeed  does  not  look  much  like  passing 
through  the  city,'  sighed  Fessel,  closing  the  window. 
*  It  rather  indicates  an  intention  to  take  up  permanent 
quarters  here.' 

*  For  the  purpose  of  proselytism  ! '  cried  Dorn,  des- 
pondingly.  '  Now  God  be  merciful  to  me  !  For  if 
these  villains  insult  our  women,  I  shall  die  no  natural 
death.' 

He  hastened  forth,  while  Fessel  remained  standing 
at  the  window  awaiting  the  event  in  silent  sadness. 

The  music  of  the  Lichtensteins  sounded  nearer  and 
nearer,  and  sqon  their  banners,  muskets  and  halberds 
came  waving  and  glistening  up  the  street,  and  in 
serried  ranks  the  troops  came  marching  into  the 
public  square.     ^  Halt  !  order  arms  ! '  was  now  echoed 


64  TALES    FROM    THE    GERMAN. 

by  the  commanders.  The  muskets  and  halberds 
rattled  upon  the  stone  pavement  with  a  dull  crash, 
the  music  ceased,  and  the  silent  and  motionless  sol- 
diers remained  standing  by  their  arms.  Only  a 
malicious  smile,  which  played  upon  their  dark  faces, 
and  the  restless  and  inquisitive  movements  of  their 
twinkling  eyes,  gave  them  any  appearance  of  being 
aught  but  lifeless  statues. 

Katharine  and  Faith,  pale  as  ghosts,  followed  by 
their  mother,  now  burst  into  the  room.  The  children, 
naturally  excited  by  these  unusual  occurrences,  crowd- 
ed in  after  them,  to  get  a  better  view  of  what  was 
Sfoinof  forward. 

'  Have  the  Lichtensteins  turned  back  V  simultane- 
ously asked  or  rather  shrieked  the  three  women,  as 
Fessel  directed  their  attention  to  the  human  masses 
in  the  public  square.  '  My  end  has  come,'  groaned 
the  matron,  sinking  down  upon  a  seat.  The  children 
hastened  to  the  window,  and  in  their  innocent  igno- 
rance right  heartily  enjoyed  the  view  of  the  brilliant 
uniforms,  splendid  standards  and  glistening  arms  of 
the  soldiers. 

'  Children,'  said  Fessel  calmh^  '  lamentations  and 
complainings  cannot  help  us.  Let  us  not,  in  the 
present  emergency,  lose  our  presence  of  mind,  which 
in  times  of  misfortune  is  the  greatest  misfortune.  I 
will  go  to  the  compting-room,  and  as  far  as  possible 
during  the  short  time  that  remains  to  us,  place  my 
property  in  safety.  My  Katharine  will  hastily  collect 
the  most  valuable  of  our  things,  and  conceal  them  in 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  65 

the  under  cellar,  I  will  afterwards  see  what  course 
is  required  for  our  personal  safety.  My  mother  and 
sister-in-law  must  meanwhile  prepare  for  the  quarter- 
ing of  the  soldiers.  As  a  well  conditioned  merchant, 
and  a  warden  of  the  evangelical  church,  I  may  expect 
that  a  full  share  of  them  will  be  assigned  to  my 
house.' 

*  It  is  fortunate  that  we  have  a  repast  already  pro- 
vided for  them,'  sighed  Katharine,  seeking,  among  a 
bunch  hanging  at  her  girdle,  for  the  key  of  the  plate 
closet. 

'  Provided  for  the  betrothal-feast  of  our  good  sister  ! ' 
said  Fessel,  compassionately  caressing  the  cold  cheek 
of  the  maiden.  *  Poor  child  !  they  will  leave  you 
little  enjoyment  of  it  to-day.' 

*  Only  see  ! '  cried  little  Hedwig  at  the  window, 
'  the  officers  are  all  crowding  around  a  tall  stately 
chief,  and  our  alderman  Newmann  is  standing  near 
him  with  uncovered  head  and  a  great  number  of 
slips  of  paper  in  both  hands.' 

'  The  tall  officer  is  the  colonel,'  said  Fessel  to  them 
by  way  of  explanation.  '  They  are  drawing  tickets 
for  their  quarters.' 

'  My  God ! '  suddenly  shrieked  Faith,  who  had 
stepped  to  the  window,  and  flew  back  to  the  remotest 
corner  of  the  room. 

'  What  is  the  matter  with  thee,  sister  ? '  asked  the 
sympathizing  Katharine,  hastening  to  her  side. 

*  It  is  all  over  with  us,'  sighed  Faith,  pressing  her 
little  hands    upon  her  beating  heart.     *  One  of  the 

6* 


66 


TALES     FROM     THE    GERMAN. 


officers  suddenly  stared  wildly  up  towards  the  house. 
I  saw  his  face  but  for  an  instant,  and  it  was  partly 
shaded  by  his  plume  ;  but  I  recognised  it  so  certainly 
and  with  so  much  alarm  that  I  could  not  help 
screaming.  It  was  childish,  I  know.  Pardon  me 
that  r  frightened  you  so  needlessly.  How  could  this 
man  come  here  at  the  present  time  ?  and  what  a 
fool  I  was  instantly  to  fear  the  worst  ! ' 

*  Of  whom  do  you  speak,  my  daughter  ? '  asked 
the  anxious  widow ;  and,  as  Faith  was  about  to 
explain,  Dorn  rushed  into  the  room. 

'  Save  yourself!'  he  cried.  ^  Your  persecutor,  the 
broken  captain  of  dragoons,  now  commands  a  com- 
pany of  the  Lichtensteins,  and  is  endeavoring  to 
get  your  brother-in-law's  house  for  his  quarters.  His 
hellish  object  is  obvious,  and  he  may  be  expected 
here  every  moment.' 

'  Then  are  we  all  lost,'  groaned  the  mother. 

'  Not  yet,'  said  Katharine,  with  calm  self-possession. 
'  Listen  to  my  proposal.  These  soldiers  cannot  stay 
here  forever.  While  they  remain,  mother  and  sister 
can  conceal  themselves  in  the  dry  vault  back  of  the 
cellar,  whose  opening  in  the  garden  is  concealed  by 
the  thick  grove  of  yew-trees.  We  can  pile  up  boxes 
and  casks  before  the  door,  and  every  evening  convey 
to  them  provisions  and  consolation. 

'  The  captain  shall  be  told,'  interposed  Dorn,  *  that 
you  fled  from  Schweidnitz  the  moment  you  heard  of 
the  approach  of  the  Lichtensteins.  God  reward  you, 
Katharine,  for  the  lucky  thought.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  67 

*  You  will  accompany  us  in  our  hiding  place, 
beloved  sister  will  you  not  ? '  asked  Faith. 

*  Shall  I  take  my  husband  and  children  into  your 
circumscribed  retreat?'  smilingly  asked  Katharine; 
'  or  could  you  really  and  in  earnest  ask  me  to  desert 
the  dearest  objects  on  earth  to  me?  Nor  is  there 
any  reason  why  I  should.  You  have  a  sufficient 
cause  for  concealing  yourself,  having  offended  a  bad 
man  who  would  probably  improve  the  first  opportunity 
to  avenge  himself.  I  am  only  threatened  with  the 
same  misfortunes  every  family  in  the  city  must 
expect,  and  with  God's  help  I  must  endeavor  to  bear 
them.' 

*  She  is  entirely  right,'  decided  the  mother. 

*  My  noble  wife ! '  cried  Fessel,  embracing  his 
courageous  and  .confiding  spouse.  At  the  same 
instant  Hedwig,  who  was  still  at  the  window,  cried  : 
'  There  comes  a  hateful  red-bearded  officer  directly 
towards  the  house,  with  a  whole  troop  of  soldiers 
behind  him.' 

'Then  indeed  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost,'  said 
Dorn,  hurrj^ing  the  mother  and  daughter  from  the 
room.  '  Farewell ! '  cried  the  women  to  each  other. 
'God's  angels  protect  you!'  said  Fessel,  proceeding 
to  the  door,  at  which  the  Lichtensteins  were  loudly 
knocking. 


CHAPTER    VII. 


At  the  head  of  the  table,  which  had  been  beauti- 
fully adorned  for  the  betrothal-feast,  the  red-bearded 
captain  had  seated  himself  in  terrible  majesty. 
Desiring,  for  the  present,  to  appear  unusually  gracious, 
he  had  invited  the  heads  of  the  family  and  their 
children  to  take  places  at  the  table.  The  hospitality 
so  kindly  extended  to  them  in  their  own  house  by  a 
stranger,  imparted  no  especial  pleasure  to  those 
invited.  The  children  had  formed  the  heroic  resolu- 
tion of  not  eating  a  morsel,  merely  to  show  their 
dislike  to  the  detestable  red-beard.  Fessel  looked 
with  a  gloomy  brow  directly  before  him ;  while  the 
faithful  Katharine  forced  herself  to  introduce  and 
sustain  the  conversation,  that  a  want  of  occupation 
might  not  give  the  fiend  leisure  for  evil  thoughts. 
Four  arquebusiers  guarded  the  doors,  and  in  every 
part  of  the  house  arose  the  boisterous  songs  of  the 
converters,  who  were  revelling  with  Fessel's  choicest 
wines. 

'  We  are  satisfied,'  said  the  captain ;  and,  emptying 
his  goblet,  he  took  off  his  military  cap,  murmured 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  69 

some  words  in  a  low  voice,  crossed  himself,  again 
put  on  his  cap,  and  then,  with  feigned  affability 
asked :  '  So,  your  mother-in-law  left  you  last  night, 
Herr  Fessel  ? '  and  as  the  latter  answered  affirmative- 
ly, he  further  asked :  '  And  her  daughter,  little  Faith, 
—  did  the  good  woman  take  her  Avith  her  ? ' 

*  Certainly!'  stammered  Fessel,  who  was  not 
altogether  prepared  for  this  close  examination. 

'  Strange  ! '  said  the  captain,  extending  his  goblet 
to  the  lady  of  the  house  to  be  replenished.  '  How  a 
man's  eyes  may  deceive  him  !  As  I  was  standing 
with  the  other  officers  before  the  house  three  hours 
since,  I  would  have  sworn  that  I  saw  the  little  Faith 
standing  at  that  very  window.' 

'  It  was  probably  me  whom  you  saw,  captain,' 
interposed  Katharine.  '  You  must  have  observed 
that  I  resemble  my  sister  very  nearly.' 

*  Possibly  ! '  observed  the  captain  with  a  still  more 
hateful  smile.  *  You  had,  indeed,  at  that  time,  a 
rose-colored  band  in  your  blond  hair,  and  now  you 
have  brown  locks  and  a  black  plaited  cap.  However, 
that  is  not  so  very  strange.  Women's  toilets  often 
produce  much  greater  transformations.' 

At  this  moment  a  violent  outcry  was  heard  from 
without.  Fessel  hastened  from  the  room,  and  soon 
returned  with  his  eldest  apprentice,  who  was  pro- 
fusely bleeding  from  a  wound  on  the  head. 

*  What  is  the  matter  ? '  asked  the  captain,  address- 
ing himself  to  the  wounded  man.  '  How  dare  you 
thus  disturb  me  while  at  table  ? ' 

'  By   your   leave,    captain ! '    said   the    apprentice, 


70         TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

with  confidence  ;  '  your  sergeant  has  robbed  me  of 
all  the  money  I  had  about  me,  and  then  beat  me 
over  the  head  with  his  sword  because  I  had  no  more 
to  give  him.  It  was  proper  that  I  should  complain 
to  you  in  order  that  you  might  take  measures  to 
punish  the  outrage.' 

'  You  did  not  know  how  to  behave  yourself  prop- 
erly, my  son,'  said  the.  captain.  '  My  people  are 
always  kind  and  harmless  as  children  to  all  who  are 
complaisant  towards  them,  and  give  them  every  thing 
they  desire.  Go  and  have  your  wound  dressed,  and 
be  more  careful  another  time.' 

'  Is  that  all  the  satisfaction  I  am  to  get  for  my 
injuries?'  asked  the  apprentice,  irritated  by  the  pain 
of  his  wound,  and  still  more  by  the  captain's  con- 
temptuous answer. 

The  captain's  eyes  flashed  like  two  baneful  meteors. 
'  Satisfaction  !  —  injuries  !  How  dare  you,  a  damned 
heretic,  use  such  words  in  my  presence  ?  vociferated 
he,  starting  from  his  seat.  You  ought  to  thank  God 
that  my  sergeant  did  not  cleave  your  head  asunder. 
Pack  yourself  hence,  if  you  do  not  wish  that  I  should 
complete  the  work  he  began.' 

He  grasped  his  sword,  the  young  man  sprang 
beyond  his  reach,  and  Katharine,  in  soft  and  soothing 
tones,  besought  the  savage  to  be  pacified  ;  but  the 
last  link  of  the  chain,  by  which  his  natural  brutality 
had  hitherto  been  restrained,  was  now  broken ;  the 
wild  beast  in  human  form  was  let  loose,  and  yielded 
only  to  the  most  savage  impulses. 

'  Do   you   suppose,   vagabonds,'  roared   the    fiend, 


THE      LICHTENSTEINS.  71 

*  that  we  have  come  here  to  keep  strict  discipline 
and  to  wait  quietly  for  what  you  may  please  to 
dispense  to  us  ?  We  are  come  to  chastise  you  for 
your  heresy,  which  is  a  revolt  alike  against  God  and 
the  emperor.  We  are  come  to  convert  you  to  the 
true  faith ;  and  if  your  stubbornness  will  not  suffer 
our  object  to  be  accomplished  by  fair  means,  you  are 
given  over  to  us  as  a  prize,  with  your  property  and 
lives,  bodies  and  souls,  to  be  tormented  by  us  to  our 
heart's  content,  until  you  are  brought  to  repentance 
and  an  abandonment  of  your  abominable  opinions, 
or  sink  in  despair.' 

'  No,  captain,'  cried  Fessel,  with  manly  firmness  ; 
'  that  is  not  the  will  of  our  emperor,  and  I  should 
consider  it  treasonable  to  believe  your  scandalous 
assertions.  Nor  was  that  the  condition  upon  which 
we  admitted  you  within  our  walls.  From  your 
colonel's  own  mouth  have  I  heard  quite  a  different 
speech,  and  I  shall  go  and  ask  him  if  he  is  about  to 
give  the  lie  to  his  own  Avords.' 

*  First  go  to  your  own  chamber  as  an  arrested 
prisoner,'  said  the  captain,  with  a  smile  of  contempt ; 
'  until  I  have  had  you  tried  for  your  rebellious  speech. 
Lead  him  forth  ! '  commanded  he  to  the  guards. 
'  Lock  him  up,  watch  him  sharply,  and  if  he  attempts 
to  escape  shoot  him  down.' 

*  Eternal  justice,  judge  and  avenge  !'  cried  Fessel, 
as  the  soldiers  dragged  him  away. 

*  Mercy  ! '  implored  his  faithful  wife,  clasping  the 
captain's   knees ;  but  the  latter   disengaged  himself 


72        TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

from  her,  put  the  children,  who  pressed  around  her, 
out  of  the  room,  drew  Katharine  to  a  window,  and 
in  a  low  voice  said  to  her,  '  you  see  that  I  can  be 
either  good  or  bad  as  3'ou  would  have  me.  Upon 
you  alone  it  depends  how  I  shall  further  proceed. 
Therefore  answer  me  honestly  and  truly,  where  is 
your  sister  V 

^  She  fled  last  night,'  answered  Katharine,  with 
calm  firmness  ;  '  to  escape  the  horrors  which  threaten 
us.  Whither,  I  do  not  consider  it  my  duty  to  inform 
you.' 

'  This  is  fine  ! '  exclaimed  the  captain,  grinning 
like  a  Bengal  tiger  when  his  keeper  compels  him  to 
show  his  teeth.  '  I  like  to  know  how  people  feel 
towards  me.  I  now  go  to  my  colonel,  and  you  shall 
soon  hear  from  me  again.' 

He  departed,  and  the  children,  again  rushing 
in,  embraced  their  mother  with  loud  lamentation. 
Katharine  sank  upon  her  knees,  and  her  children 
with  her,  and,  raising  their  eyes  and  hands  towards 
heaven,  with  a  bleeding  heart  but  nevertheless  with 
confidence,  the  pious  woman  prayed  in  the  words  of 
the  royal  psalmist :  '  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my 
soul  ?  and  why  art  thou  disquieted  in  me  ?  Hope 
thou  in  God  ;  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him  for  his 
countenance  who  is  my  help  and  my  God.' 

The  boisterous  sorrow  of  the  children  subsided 
into  gentle  weeping,  and  from  every  lip  was  heard 
the  loud,  believing,  joyful,  amen  ! ' 


CHAPTER    VIII, 


Some  days  later,  Katharine  was  sitting  with  her 
children  at  the  close  of  day  and  exerting  herself  to 
read  by  the  fading  twilight  a  letter  of  consolation 
which  her  imprisoned  husband  had  thrown  to  little 
Ulrich.  The  door  was  cautiously  opened  and  a  soldier 
in  the  Lichtenstein  uniform  hesitatingly  entered. 

*  Do  not  be  alarmed,'  whispered  he,  as  they  shrunk 
from  his  approach.  '  I  am  Dorn,  and  have  smuggled 
myself  into  the  house  in  this  disguise,  that  I  might 
bring  you  consolation  and  see  for  myself  how  you  were 
situated.  Your  mother  and  sister  are  in  health  and 
safety,  and  send  kind  greetings  to  you.  Nor  need  you 
be  anxious  on  your  husband's  account.  I  am  certain 
that  it  is  better  for  him  to  be  in  confinement  than  to  be 
free  and  expose  himself  to  the  outrages  to  which  every 
hour  gives  birth,  and  do  things  in  moments  of  passion 
and  excitement  which  would  only  make  matters  worse. 
Should  his  situation  become  more  critical,  I  shall 
always  be  near  him.' 

*  In  God's  name,  master  Dorn,  what  is  to  be  the  end 
of  all  this  ? '  anxiously  asked  Katharine. 

7 


74  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  A  city  full  of  catholics,'  answered  Dorn  with  a  bitter 
smile.  '  The  count  of  Dohna  has  arrived  to-day.  That 
is  a  sufficient  reason  for  fearing  the  worst.  From  a 
renegade,  who  expects  to  win  the  principality  of 
Breslau  by  his  tyrannical  fury,  nothing  is  to  be  hoped.' 

'  Then  God  help  us  ! '  sobbed  Katharine,  wringing 
her  hands. 

*  By  means  of  our  arms,  if  it  cannot  be  otherwise,' 
said  Dorn,  with  energy.  '  I  have  carefully  avoided 
encountering  your  worthy  guest,  because  I  well  know 
that  one  of  us  must  in  that  case  remain  dead  upon 
the  spot,  and  that  would  little  help  you  in  any  event ; 
but,  if  it  becomes  necessary,  I  will  strike  the  devil  to 
the  earth  and  free  you  from  him.' 

'  No,'  anxiously  entreated  Katharine ;  '  no  murder 
on  our  account.' 

*  That  is  man's  work,  dear  lady,'  said  Dorn.  '  No 
woman  can  reason  upon  the  subject*  Every  one  must 
act  according  to  his  conscience.  It  will  be  well  for 
me  and  him  if  the  necessity  does  not  occur.' 

A  gentle  and  afterwards  a  more  decided  knock  was 
heard  at  the  door.  A  voice  asked,  *  are  you  alone, 
madam  Fessel  ?  '  and  directly  the  pale  and  bleeding 
face  of  parson  Beer  peered  into  the  room. 

'  How  pale  you  look  !  what  has  happened  to  you  ? ' 
cried  the  frightened  Katharine. 

*  My  face  bears  the  marks  of  the  converting  zeal  of 
the  imperial  apostles,'  answered  the  parson  with  sup- 
pressed anger.  '  Most  terribly  do  these  Lichtensteins 
deal  Avith  the  servants  of  the  word.     I  have  escaped 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  75 

with  less  injury  than  some  of  my  brethren.  Me  they 
only  misused  and  smote  with  their  side  arms,  because 
I  preached  the  truth  to  them  with  the  sharp  fire  of  the 
spirit  which  had  come  upon  me.  I  heed  it  not,  and 
even  consider  myself  honored  by  the  blows  I  received  ; 
one  of  which  came  near  making  me  a  martyr.  My 
worthy  associate,  Bartsch,  was  much  more  shamefully 
treated,  and  my  blood  boils  and  foams  when  I  think 
of  it.  That  they  hustled,  abused  and  plundered  him, 
might  be  passed  over  ;  but  the  hellish  crew,  adding  to 
these  outrages  the  most  shameful  scorn  and  mockery, 
compelled  that  man  of  God  to  dance  before  them  ; 
himself,  his  wife,  and  children  to  dance,  like  the 
infatuated  Israelites  before  the  golden  calf.  For  which 
the  reprobates  will  one  day  be  compelled  to  dance  to 
the  bowlings  of  damned  spirits  in  the  everlasting  fire 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels  ! ' 

'  How  goes  it  with  the  poor  citizens  ?  '  asked  Dorn, 
for  the  purpose  of  diverting  the  attention  of  the 
zealot  from  the  occurrences  which  had  so  excited  his 
anger. 

'  As  might  be  supposed,  very  badly,'  answered  the 
parson.  '  The  counter  reformation  may  be  said  to 
have  dated  its  commencement  from  the  arrival  of  the 
terrible  Dohna.  The  soldiers  are  quartered  only  upon 
the  protestants,  to  whom  they  say,  '  the  moment 
you  go  and  confess  to  the  Dominican  or  Franciscan 
priests,  and  bring  a  certificate  of  the  fact,  that  moment 
we  will  leave  you  and  go  elsewhere.'  When  the  poor 
people  have  been  thus  oppressed  until  they  can  bear 


76  TALES     FROM     THE     GER3IAN. 

it  no  longer,  they  become  frantic  and  repair  to  the 
priests  for  the  certificate  of  confession.  The  torment- 
ing fiends  then  leave  them  and  are  distributed  among 
such  of  their  neighbors  as  yet  hold  to  the  true  faith, 
and  treat  them  in  the  same  manner,  until  they,  over- 
come by  the  weight  of  the  burthen,  also  go,  like  Peter^ 
and  deny  their  lord  and  master  in  the  churches  of  their 
adversaries.  In  this  Avay  we  clergymen  have  each 
sixty  men  quartered  upon  us,  and  the  aldermen  the 
same  number.  Burgomaster  Yunge  has  already  over 
a  hundred  men  to  provide  for,  and  if  the  apostacy 
extends  much  further,  the  last  true  believing  christian 
of  Schweidnitz  will  have  the  whole  seven  squadrons 
of  converters  collected  in  his  own  house.' 

*  Why  do  not  the  wretched  people  flee  and  abandon 
house  and  home,  property  and  sustenance  ? '  asked 
the  excited  Dorn. 

'  So  they  would  have  done,  by  thousands,'  answered 
the  parson ;  '  but  the  converters  will  not  let  them  go. 
The  citizens  are  kept  prisoners  in  their  city,  and  every 
householder  is  confined  to  his  house.  The  gates  are 
closed,  and  each  family  is  guarded  by  those  who  are 
quartered  upon  it.  In  vain  have  some  of  our  wealth- 
iest citizens  ofl^ered  to  give  up  all  their  property  with 
the  promise  never  to  ask  for  it  again  ;  in  vain  have 
others  sought  death  rather  than  a  continuance  of  their 
sufferings.  That  is  not  the  object  of  our  oppressors, 
whose  only  answer  to  all  our  prayers  is,  '  you  must 
embrace  our  faith.' 

'  I  have  heard  enough,'  cried  Dorn,  with  bursting 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  77 

rage.  '  Say  no  more,  or,  unable  to  restrain  my  wrath, 
I  shall  strike  some  of  the  hounds  to  the  earth  and 
thereby  bring  my  life  to  a  sudden  end.  Farewell, 
Frau  Katharine,  —  I  return  to  my  hiding  place ;  but 
shall  not  be  far  off,  and  most  joyfully  w^ll  I  lay  down 
my  life,  if  need  be,  in  defence  of  you  and  yours.' 

He  strode  forth,  —  the  parson  stepped  to  the  window, 
through  which  the  bright  moon  was  pouring  its  silver 
light,  and,  while  watching  Dorn's  retreating  steps, 
convulsively  pressed  his  hands  across  his  breast  and 
gave  frightful  utterance  to  the  following  imprecation  : 
'  Thy  hand  shall  find  all  thine  enemies.  Thy  right 
hand  shall  find  them  that  hate  thee.  Thou  wilt  melt 
them  as  in  a  furnace  when  thou  lookest  upon  them  ; 
the  Lord  will  consume  them  in  his  anger,  fire  shall 
devour  them.  Their  seed  wilt  thou  destroy  from  the 
face  of  the  earth,  and  their  names  from  among  the 
children  of  men.' 

'  God  preserve  us,  reverend  sir,'  interposed  Katha- 
rine. ^  How  can  you  offer  up  such  a  horrible  prayer  ? 
Rather  should  you  remember  and  imitate  the  forgiving 
spirit  of  our  Savior  when  he  prayed  :  '  Father,  forgive 
them,  for  they  know  not  w^hat  they  do  ! ' 

'  Father  forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what  they 
do,'  he  tremblingly  repeated  after  her,  his  anger  re- 
buked by  the  divine  sentiment,  and  submissively  raised 
his  eyes  toward  the  exhaustless  source  of  love  and 
mercy. 

7* 


CHAPTER    IX. 


The  next  morning  Katharine  was  sitting  in  her 
closet,  with  her  infant  at  her  breast.  Over  its  rosy 
cheeks  rolled  the  mother's  tears  in  quick  succession. 
Her  other  children  were  pressing  around  her,  like 
chickens  who  seek  to  hide  themselves  under  the 
mother's  sheltering  wings,  and  all  were  tremblingly 
and  silently  listening  to  the  cries  of  lamentation  which 
occasionally  arose  from  the  neighboring  dwellings, 
evincing  the  activity  of  the  tormentors. 

The  clattering  of  spurs  was  heard  at  the  door,  which 
was  immediately  thrown  open,  and  the  captain  entered 
the  room,  accompanied  by  a  file  of  soldiers. 

'  I  am  now  satisfied  ! '  cried  he.  '  I  have  subjected 
your  cook  to  a  sharp  examination.  You  have  more 
food  prepared  daily  than  is  necessary  for  the  family. 
Dishes  are  secretly  conveyed  away  full  and  returned 
empty.  I  am  therefore  satisfied  that  your  relatives 
have  not  departed ;  but  are  yet  in  the  city,  perhaps  in 
this  very  house,  and  my  duty  requires  me  to  insist  on 
their  immediate  appearance,  that  they  may  become 
participants  in  the  reformation  which  we  bring  to  this 
deluded  city.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  79 

*  I  have  nothing  more  to  answer  upon  that  subject,' 
said  Katharine  with  firmness. 

'  No  ? '  asked  the  captain,  grating  his  teeth.  '  Will 
you  bring  me  a  certificate  of  confession  ? ' 

^  Not  to  all  is  given  such  greatness  of  mind  as  to 
enable  them  to  change  their  faith  according  to  the 
emergencies  of  the  moment,'  said  Katharine,  with  a 
bitterness  which  the  unworthiness  of  the  tempter 
forced  from  her  naturally  mild  heart. 

'  Still  scornful  I '  growled  the  captain.  '  The  cup 
now  runs  over.  To  the  cellar  with  this  brood  of 
young  heretics  I '  thundered  he  to  his  soldiers,  who 
immediately  forced  the  children  from  the  room.  *  My 
children  ! '  shrieked  Katharine,  making  an  effort  to 
rush  after  them  ;  but  the  captain  dragged  the  unhappy 
mother  back. 

'  The  sands  of  mercy  have  run  out,'  he  exclaimed; 
'  and  the  hour  of  vengeance  approaches.  It  is  now  no 
longer  question  of  the  runaway  girl.  I  have  torn 
from  my  heart  my  sinful  passion  for  the  heretic,  and 
have  to  do  only  with  you  and  your  heterodoxy.  I  give 
you  an  hour  to  consider  whether  you  will  return  to  the 
bosom  of  the  mother  church.  If  you  then  obstinately 
choose  to  adhere  to  your  erroneous  belief,  I  will  probe 
3^our  breast  yet  deeper,  and  by  all  the  saints  I  swear 
to  you  that  I  will  find  your  heart.' 

He  left  the  room.  '  Preserve  me  from  desperation, 
0  God  I'  cried  Katharine,  pressing  her  infant  to  her 
bosom  and  sinking  powerless  to  the  earth. 


CHAPTER    X. 


When  she  awoke  she  was  sitting  in  a  chair  with 
her  slumbering  babe  in  her  arms,  and  before  her  stood, 
with  weeping  eyes,  an  old  Franciscan  monk  belonging 
to  the  city  convent,  upon  whom  she  stared  with  won- 
dering and  uncertain  glances. 

'  Calm  yourself,  dear  lady,'  said  the  old  man  in  a 
friendly  tone.  '  The  cowl  I  wear  may  be  doubly 
hateful  to  you  in  this  heavy  hour ;  but  it  covers  a 
heart  that  feels  kindly  and  truly  for  you.  I  have 
heard  of  your  sufferings  and  have  come  to  bring 
you  succor.  I  have  not  forgotten  the  kind  attention 
and  care  I  received  in  your  house  when,  six  years 
ago,  I  came  here  from  Breslau  as  a  mendicant  lay 
brother,  and  fell  fainting  before  your  door.  There 
were  indeed  hard-hearted  Lutherans  who  chid  you 
for  your  charity  and  said  you  ought  not  to  trouble 
yourself  about  the  beggarly  papist  priest,  —  but  you 
answered  that  it  was  your  christian  duty  to  succor  a 
fellow  christian.  That  was  a  noble  sentiment,  and 
has  ever  since  remained  engraved  upon  my  heart,  and 
I  have  daily  offered  up  my  prayers  that  God  would 
bless  you  for  it  through  time  and  eternity.     It  is  true 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  81 

that  by  some  of  my  brethren  this  prayer  for  a  heretic 
has  been  considered  sinful ;  but  I  have  answered  them, 
'  Solum  de  salute  Diaholi  desperandum^'^  and  that  it 
may  please  the  Lord  in  his  mercy  to  bring  this  good 
woman  one  day,  if  even  upon  her  death  bed,  into  the 
embrace  of  the  only  saving  church.' 

'  May  God  reward  your  love,  my  good  father,'  said 
Katharine  with  a  feeble  utterance.  '  A  kindly  human 
heart  is  always  deserving  of  respect  and  esteem,  even 
though  it  wander  in  error.' 

'  I  came  not,'  answered  the  monk,  *  to  hold  a  con- 
troversial discussion  with  you.  My  only  wish  is  to 
warn  you  of  what  must  necessarily  and  absolutely  be 
done,  if  you  would  save  your  mortal  body,  to  say 
nothing  of  your  immortal  soul.  You  must  know  that 
it  is  the  irrevocable  determination  of  the  emperor  that 
all  the  protestants  in  his  hereditary  dominions  shall 
return  to  the  true  faith,  and  for  that  sole  purpose  has 
he  sent  his  troops  to  this  city.  It  is  true  that  these 
soldiers  conduct  themselves  here  in  a  manner  which 
no  true  catholic  can  justify,  and  should  one  of  these 
so  called  converters  stray  into  my  confessional,  he 
would  have  a  hard  time  of  it.  But  so  it  is,  and  I,  a 
poor  feeble  monk,  have  no  power  to  avert  the  evil. 
The  Jesuits,  who  hold  the  emperor's  heart  in  their 
hands,  might  and  should  have  prevented  it  ;  but  they 
have  kindled  the  fire  and  poured  oil  thereon.  Where- 
fore I  say,  yield  to  the  times,  for  they  are  dangerous. 
Without  a  certificate  of  confession  your  tormentor  will 
not  leave  you  —  he  dares  not,  even  if  he  would.  I 
bring  you  the  necessary  certificate.     The  urgency  of 


82  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

the  moment  will  not  permit  a  formal  confession,  and 
you  therefore  need  only  subscribe  to  these  articles. 
You  can  send  your  certificate  to  count  Dohna,  and 
receive  in  exchange  for  it  one  from  him,  which  will 
relieve  you  from  the  presence  of  these  soldiers.' 

'  Excuse  me  ! '  cried  Katharine.  '  In  the  faith  in 
which  I  have  lived,  will  I  also  die.  I  cannot 
subscribe.' 

'  How  now,  so  good  and  yet  so  stubborn  !'  exclaim- 
ed the  reverend  father.  '  At  least  read  what  you  are 
required  to  subscribe,  before  you  refuse.  After  read- 
ing it,  you  can  subscribe  or  not,  according  to  the  dic- 
tates of  your  own  judgment.  These  sacred  truths 
must,  I  should  think,  be  capable  of  striking  the  pure 
springs  of  true  knowledge  from  the  hardest  heart.' 

Katharine  ran  her  eyes  rapidly  over  the  articles. 
As  she  came  towards  the  close,  she  read  aloud.  '  I 
swear,  that  through  the  intercession  of  the  saints  I 
have  now  become  converted  to  the  catholic  religion.' 

'  Place  your  hand  upon  your  heart,  reverend  father,' 
cried  she,  springing  up,  incensed,  *  and  then  say  upon 
your  sacred  sacerdotal  oath,  shall  I  not  be  guilty  of 
perjury,  if  I  swear  that  what  I  do  out  of  fear  of  an 
earthly  power,  is  done  through  the  spiritual  effect  of 
the  intercession  of  the  saints  ? ' 

The  monk  silently  folded  up  the  paper. 

'  You  see  there  can  be  no  help  for  me,'  said  Katha- 
rine with  humble  resignation.  '  Leave  me,  therefore, 
to  my  fate,  and  take  with  you  my  heartfelt  thanks 
for  your  good  intentions.' 

'  You  are  a  very  obstinate  woman  ! '  said  the  monk. 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  83 

with  evident  and  deep  sympathy.  The  longer  his 
eyes  rested  upon  her  pale,  pious  and  suffering-  face, 
the  more  his  sympathy  increased,  until  at  length, 
amid  a  flood  of  gushing  tears,  he  cried,  '  I  know  that 
I  commit  a  deadly  sin,  but  I  cannot  do  otherwise. 
Take  the  certificate,  which  alone  can  put  an  end  to 
your  sufferings.' 

'  How  !  without  confession  or  signature  ?  *  asked 
Katharine  with  astonishment. 

'  I  have  given  to  my  God  the  offering  of  a  long  life,' 
cried  the  old  man  with  vehemence,  '  full  of  heavy 
privations  and  hard  struggles.  He  w^ill  now^,  there- 
fore, be  a  merciful  judge  to  me,  and  after  long  and 
severe  penance  will  pardon  me  for  once  lending  the 
aid  of  my  holy  office  for  the  purpose  of  deception. 
Yet,  should  I  even  incur  his  everlasting  anger,  T  can- 
not do  otherwise.  I  cannot  leave  my  benefactress  to 
be  persecuted  to  death,  even  though  I  may  one  day 
be  compelled  to  enter  the  dark  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death,  without  absolution.     Take  the  certificate.' 

*  God  forbid  ! '  said  Katharine,  tearing  it  in  pieces, 
'  that  I  should  rob  you  of  your  soul's  peace  and  dis- 
turb the  tranquillity  of  your  dying  hour.  Nor  would 
my  own  conscience  permit  me  to  accept  your  offer. 
Every  use  which  I  should  make  of  this  paper  would 
be  an  act  of  apostacy  from  my  own  faith  ;  if  a  hypo- 
critical use,  so  much  the  worse.  '  Be  not  deceived, 
God  is  not  mocked.'  ' 

*  Woman,  thou  art  more  righteous  than  we  ! '  cried 
the  monk,  with  deep  emotion ;  and,  covering  his 
head  with  his  cowl,  he  departed,  weeping  audibly. 


CHAPTER    XI. 


The  infant  was  still  slumbering  upon  Katharine's 
bosom.  The  door  was  again  thrown  open  and  the 
captain  entered,  this  time  without  attendants,  bolting 
the  door  after  him. 

'  The  hour  is  past,'  said  he  with  a  demoniac  smile. 
'  Have  you  a  certificate  ? ' 

'  No,'  answered  she,  and  at  that  moment  the  child 
in  her  arms  awoke  and  cried  for  its  nourishment. 
'  Poor  thing,'  said  she,  bearing  it  towards  an  alcove. 

'  Where  are  you  going  ? '  asked  the  captain,  seizing 
her  arm  as  though  he  would  crush  it  in  his  ferocious 
grasp. 

'  To  nurse  my  child,'  answered  Katharine.  '  You 
cannot  wish  that  I  should  do  it  in  the  presence  of  a 
stranger  I ' 

'  You  shall  not  nurse  your  child  ! '  cried  the  captain, 
forcing  it  from  her  arms.  *  It  shall  not  imbibe  heresy 
with  its  mother's  milk.' 

'  What  would  you  with  my  child,  horrible  man  ?' 
shrieked  Katharine,  rushing  upon  him. 

'  There  it  shall  lie,'  said  he,  putting  it  upon  the 
floor. 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  85 

The  poor  infant  uttered  the  most  lamentable 
shrieks. 

'  For  God's  sake,  let  me  go  to  my  child ! '  ex- 
claimed Katharine.     '  It  is  dying.' 

'  In  that  case  I  shall  have  saved  a  soul  to  heaven,' 
answered  the  captain. 

'  You  cannot  be  a  man ! '  cried  the  miserable 
mother.  '  You  must  be  satan  disguised  in  the  human 
form.'  Convulsive  spasms  seized  her.  Her  eyes 
closed,  her  lips  became  blue,  and  her  senses  fled. 

Some  one  knocked  loudly  at  the  door.  *  Are  you 
here,  Frau  Katharine  ? '  asked  a  voice  which  the 
captain  recognized  with  terror. 

'  Back  ! '  cried  the  sentinel  without.  *  The  captain 
is  with  the  lady.' 

'  The  captain  !  and  she  answers  not,  and  the  child 
is  screaming  ! '  exclaimed  the  same  voice,  with  wild 
alarm,  —  and  powerful  blows  thundered  upon  the 
door. 

'  Back  ! '  again  cried  the  sentinel,  and  immediately 
afterwards,  with  the  exclamation,  *  Jesus  Maria  ! '  a 
heavy  fall  was  heard  near  the  door,  which  now  flew 
in  fragments.  Dorn  rushed  into  the  room  over  the 
body  of  the  wounded  sentinel,  who  lay  groaning  upon 
the  floor,  with  a  drawn  sword  in  his  hand.  The 
captain  sprang  to  meet  the  intruder,  but  shrunk  back, 
pale  and  trembling,  the  moment  he  recognized  him. 

*  Cut  him  down  from  behind  I '  cried  he  to  his 
soldiers  who  now  came  rushing  into  the  room. 

'  Down  to   hell ! '    thundered  Dorn,   thrusting   the 
8 


86  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

captain  through  the  body.  With  a  frightful  death- 
cry  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and  Dorn  threw  down  his 
bloody  weapon.  *  I  am  your  prisoner,'  said  he,  with 
imposing  dignity,  to  the  soldiers,  and  took  the  child 
from  the  floor.  '  Call  the  maidens  to  take  care  of 
the  mother  and  infant,  and  then  lead  me  to  your 
colonel,  to  whom  I  have  something  of  importance 
to  say.' 

Hardly  knowing  what  they  were  about,  the  aston- 
ished and  confounded  soldiers  obeyed  the  bold  youth. 
With  loud  cries  the  maidens  rushed  in  to  assist  their 
adored  mistress  and  quiet  the  screaming  infant.  Dorn 
impressed  a  last  kiss  upon  the  hand  of  the  insensible 
Katharine,  and  then  in  a  commanding  tone  he  cried 
to  the  soldiers,  '  now  forward ! '  leading  them  off 
with  a  step  as  proud  and  as  confident  as  if  he  were 
marching  to  battle  and  victory. 


CHAPTER    XII. 


The  generalissimo  of  the  converters,  count  Karl 
Hannibal  von  Dohna,  with  the  governor,  baron  von 
Bibran,  the  Jesuit,  Lamormaine,  and  some  field  offi- 
cers, were  sitting  at  a  table,  in  the  quarters  of  colonel 
von  Goes.  A  large  pile  of  ready  prepared  tickets,  for 
quarters,  were  lying  upon  the  table,  among  flasks  and 
goblets,  and  the  gloves  and  swords  of  the  officers.  A 
crucifix,  kept  upon  the  table  for  momentary  use,  seem- 
ed to  look  sorrowfully  upon  the  horrors  which  were 
here  perpetrated  under  its  sanction.  At  the  door 
stood  colonel  von  Goes,  to  whom  a  deputation  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  suburbs  were  complaining  with 
trembling  humility,  that  his  quarter-master  had  ex- 
empted each  householder  among  them,  for  the  sum 
of  two  dollars  each,  from  having  troops  quartered  in 
their  houses,  and  now  he  had  compelled  them  to 
receive  two  squadrons,  who  were  allowed  to  oppress 
them  w4th  every  species  of  cruelty. 

'  If  the  quarter-master  has  deceived  you,'  answer- 
ed the  colonel,  '  he  will  not  escape  due  punishment  ; 
but  you  must  submit  to  the  quartering  until  you  re- 


88         TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

turn  to  the  only  true  church  ;  for  on  no  other  condition 
can  you  be  relieved.' 

The  poor  denizens  departed  with  heavy  hearts. 
'  Inquire  into  this  villany,'  said  the  colonel  to  a  sub- 
altern officer,  '  and  if  you  detect  a  rogue,  let  him  be 
arrested  and  reported.' 

The  officer  went  in  obedience  to  the  command. 
The  colonel  seated  himself  with  the  others,  drained  a 
goblet,  and  striking  his  fist  upon  the  table,  exclaimed, 
*  a  curse  upon  this  whole  expedition  I ' 

'Jesus  Maria  1'  cried  Bibran  and  Lamormaine, 
crossing  themselves,  while  Dohna  earnestly  inquired 
why  he  uttered  such  an  imprecation. 

'  Because  so  much  baseness,  sir  count,'  fiercely 
answered  Goes,  '  mingles  with  the  performance  of  our 
great  and  holy  duty.  Our  people  plainly  show,  that 
they  are  more  anxious  about  the  gold  than  the  souls 
of  the  heretics.  Every  thief  in  the  regiment  will 
become  a  rich  man  in  Schweidnitz.  In  the  end  it 
will  become  a  disgrace  to  be  called  a  Lichtensteiner, 
and  I  have  a  hundred  times  regretted,  that  in  my 
pious  zeal  I  opened  a  path  for  the  entrance  of  these 
vagabonds  into  the  poor  city.' 

'  It  could  be  wished,'  interposed  father  Lamormaine, 
in  a  conciliatory  manner,  '  that  the  business  had  been 
undertaken  in  a  less  public  and  violent  manner,  and 
I  have  heretofore  expressed  the  same  opinion  to  the 
count.  This  open  and  public  assault  upon  these  her- 
etics will  serve  as  a  warning  to  the  others,  and  enable 
them  to  rally  in  their  own  defence.     By  rallying  their 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  89 

forces  they  will  learn  their  strength  ;  their  courage 
and  obstinacy  will  increase,  all  who  suffer  for  their 
erroneous  belief  will  be  considered  martyrs,  and  in 
the  end  they  will  make  many  converts.  We  should 
have  operated  cautiously  and  quietly  ;  commencing 
with  them  softly,  we  should  have  increased  the  pres- 
sure by  slow  degrees,  and  should  have  thus  avoided 
every  open  scandal.  A  constant  dropping  will  wear 
a  stone,  and  I  am  confident  that  we  could  easily  and 
quietly  have  converted  all  Silesia  in  the  course  of  a 
year.' 

'  Yes,  that  is  the  way  with  you  gentlemen  with 
shaven  crowns,'  cried  the  count  with  a  savage  laugh. 
'  You  step  very  softly  by  nature,  but  when  you  have  an 
object  to  attain,  you  also  bind  felt  upon  the  soles  of 
your  shoes.  Not  so  with  me.  My  motto  is,  '  bend 
or  break,  —  and  so  far  I  have  found  it  a  very  good 
one.  I  can  boast  of  having  accomplished  more  than 
the  apostle  Peter.  He  indeed,  upon  one  occasion,  con- 
verted three  thousand  souls  by  preaching  a  sermon  : 
but  I  have  many  times  converted  a  greater  number  in 
a  day,  and  that  too  without  preaching.  One  year  for 
Silesia  !  Give  me  soldiers  enough,  and  I  will  convert 
all  Europe  for  you  in  a  year,  by  my  method.' 

'  What  sort  of  a  conversion  would  it  be  ? '  asked 
Lamormaine,  shrugging  his  shoulders.  At  that  mo- 
ment Dohna's  adjutant  entered  the  room. 

'  The  rich  Heinze,'  whispered  he  to  his  chief,  '  w^ill 
make  a  present  to  you  of  that  costly  writing  table,  if 
you  will  allow  him  the  quiet  enjoyment  of  his  faith, 


90  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

You  know  the  splendid  article,  the  one  for  which  the 
duke  of  Leignitz  offered  him  four  thousand  dollars. 
It  is  below. 

'  I  will  be  with  him  directly/  cried  Dohna,  and 
taking  a  blank  license  from  the  table,  he  hastened 
out. 

Meantime  a  tumult  out  of  doors  had  attracted  the 
whole  company  to  the  windows.  '  Do  you  know  the 
cause  of  this  disturbance  ? '  asked  Goes  of  the  adju- 
tant. 

'  A  merchant's  clerk  has  killed  captain  Hurka  in 
his  quarters,'  answered  the  latter.  '  The  guard  are 
bringing  him  here.' 

'  That  Hurka  must  have  learnt  the  art  of  torment- 
ing from  satan  himself,'  growled  the  colonel.  '  What 
was  the  provocation  ?  ' 

'  They  say,'  answered  the  adjutant,  '  that,  in  order 
to  compel  his  hostess  to  procure  a  certificate  of  con- 
fession, the  captain  tore  her  infant  from  her  breast, 
and  threw  it  upon  the  floor.' 

This  announcement  caused  a  universal  and  simul- 
taneous shudder  among  those  present,  despite  the 
triple  mail  of  pride  and  intolerance  which  encased 
their  hearts,  and  Lamormaine  discontentedly  remark- 
ed, '  that  is  the  way  to  make  heretics,  not  to  convert 
them.' 

^  This  is  a  case  in  which  mercy,  rather  than  severe 
justice,  should  prevail,'  remarked  the  strong-believing 
Bibran.  *  The  captain's  conduct  was  too  horribly  se- 
vere, and  must  lead  to  greater  evils.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  91 

'  Let  the  murderer  be  led  hither,'  said  Goes.  '  I 
will  examine  him.' 

The  adjutant  retired,  and  soon  returned  with  Dorn 
in  chains  and  surrounded  by  guards. 

As  Goes  glanced  towards  him,  he  started  back 
with  fright,  exclaiming,  *  my  God,  what  a  terrible 
resemblance  ! ' 

Calm  and  collected,  the  young  man  stood  there, 
with  his  eyes  stedfastly  fixed  upon  the  colonel. 

With  much  effort  the  latter  recovered  his  equa- 
nimity, and  now  asked,  ^  know  you  what  sentence 
the  laws  pronounce  upon  the  assassin  of  one  of  the 
emperor's  officers  ? ' 

'  I  have  committed  no  murder,'  resolutely  replied 
Dorn.  '  I  have  only  punished,  in  the  presence  of  his 
soldiers,  a  villain  who  abused  his  power,  and  trod 
under  foot  the  holiest  laws  of  nature.' 

'  That  voice,  too  ! '  said  the  colonel  to  himself,  then 
turning  to  Dorn,  '  self- avenging  is  not  to  be  justified. 
Your  act  is  treasonable,  and  no  evasion  can  save  your 
forfeited  life.' 

'  Well,  then,  pronounce  sentence  upon  your  son  ! ' 
ijjl^cried  Dorn,  with  a  sorrow  which  he  could  no  longer 
control. 

'  Son ! '  exclaimed  all  present  with  the  utmost 
astonishment,  and  the  horror-stricken  Goes  fell  back 
into  a  chair,  sighing,  'it  is,  indeed,  my  son  !' 

The  son  beheld  his  father  with  deep  emotion,  and 
his  tears  freely  flowed  at  the  sight  of  the  old  man's 
grief.     At  length,  falling  upon  his  knee,  he  stretched 


92  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

forth  his  hands  and  said,  '  I  am  sensible  that  accord- 
ing to  your  laws  my  life  is  forfeited ;  therefore 
give  me  your  blessing,  and  then  quickly  pronounce 
the  sentence  that  shall  bring  peace  to  this  troubled 
heart.' 

^  Oswald,  Oswald ! '  cried  Goes,  *  what  a  terrible 
meeting,  after  ten  years  of  separation !  Wretched 
yoQth  !  why  did  you  flee  from  your  father's  house  ? ' 

'  The  conflicting  opinions  w^hich  now  lacerate 
Germany,'  answered  the  youth,  '  placed  a  dreadful 
gulf  between  you  and  me.  The  idea  of  constraining 
the  consciences  of  men  by  means  of  the  sword  was 
revolting  to  me,  and,  unable  to  approve  or  participate 
in  your  acts,  and  shuddering  at  your  sectarian  zeal, 
I  left  you,  that  no  unnatural  contest  might  arise 
between  father  and  son.' 

'  Where  have  you  been  until  now  ? '  asked  the 
colonel  with  an  anxiety  which  indicated  that  he 
feared  to  hear  the  worst. 

'  In  the  military  service  of  Denmark,'  answered 
Oswald,  '  until  two  years  ago  I  found  here  in 
Schweidnitz,  in  the  seclusion  of  humble  life,  the 
peace  and  quiet  which  I  sought.' 

'  In  the  Danish   service  ! '  murmured  the   colonel 
'  fighting  for  heresy  against  the  mother  church  ! ' 

His  grief  overpowered  him.  At  length  he  roused 
himself  by  a  powerful  eflbrt  from  the  whirlpool  of 
conflicting  feelings  into  w^hich  he  had  sunk.  '  What 
could  prompt  you,'  he  asked  his  son  in  a  tone  of 
firmness    and    severity,    '  to    the    senseless    deed    of 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  93 

murdering  an    imperial   officer   in   a  city  under  the 
control  of  his  brethren  in  arms  ? ' 

'  Eternal  ignomy  to  the  man,'  cried  Oswald,  '  who 
would  see  an  honorable  woman,  a  tender  mother,  a 
fellow  believer,  outraged  and  insulted  by  a  brutal 
villain,  on  account  of  her  faith,  and  not  strike  down 
the  monster,  reckless  of  consequences,  as  did  Peter 
when  his  Lord  w^as  assailed  ! ' 

'  A  fellow  believer  ?  '  cried  Goes  with  terror.  '  Hast 
thoa  then  become  a  heretic  ? ' 

*  I  hesitate  not,'  said  the  youth  with  modest  resolu- 
tion, '  to  avow^  myself  a  believer  in  the  pure  faith  of 
Zuinglius.' 

'  He  cuts  me  to  the  heart,'  groaned  the  colonel. 
Then,  summoning  resolution,  he  turned  to  Dorn  and 
said,  '  I  hope  you  have  now  perceived  and  are  ready 
to  recant  your  errors.  That  is  the  only  way  to  save 
your  life.' 

'  Would  you  have  me  deny  what  I  believe  to  be 
true,  through  a  pusillanimous  fear  of  death  ?  Is  it 
possible  you  can  have  so  poor  an  opinion  of  your 
son  ? ' 

The  rage  of  the  proselyting  chief,  which  had 
been  hitherto  with  difficulty  restrained,  now  broke 
through  all  bounds.  He  caught  the  crucifix  from  the 
table,  unsheathed  his  sword,  and  holding  them  both 
before  his  son,  exclaimed,  '  better  to  be  childless  than 
have  a  heretic  for  a  son!  Choose  instantly.  Abjure 
your  false  belief,  or  die  by  my  hands  I' 

'  You  gave  me  life,  my  father,'  said  Oswald  ;  and 


94         TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

you  can  also  take  it  from  me.  I  remain  stedfast  in 
the  truth.  Therefore  end  quickly  with  me,  in  God's 
name.' 

'  God  of  Abraham  strengthen  me ! '  cried  the 
father,  looking  wildly  towards  heaven  and  raising 
his  weapon ;  but  Bibran  and  Lamormaine  caught  his 
arm. 

'  God  does  not  require  a  father  to  sacrifice  his  son,' 
said  the  governor. 

*  Would  you  give  the  heretics  cause  to  curse  our 
holy  faith  through  your  senseless  fury  ? '  cried  the 
Jesuit  to  him,  in  a  tone  of  reprehension. 

'Take  him  to  prison!'  commanded  Dohna,  who 
had  returned  to  the  room.  '  He  may  there  consider 
until  morning,  whether  he  will  or  will  not  abjure  his 
heresy.  Should  he  continue  obstinate,  I  will  then 
permit  justice  to  take  its  course  upon  the  murderer 
of  my  officer.' 

^  God  grant  thee  his  light  and  peace,  my  poor 
father  !  Then  shall  we  again  meet  above  ! '  cried 
Oswald  with  filial  tenderness  to  the  colonel,  who, 
exhausted  by  excess  of  anger,  stared  wildly  about 
him  as  if  bereft  of  consciousness,  and  finally  rushed 
from  the  room  without  speaking. 


CHAPTER    XIIL 


Overcome  by  sorrow  for  his  father's  anger,  and 
racked  with  anxiety  for  the  fate  of  his  beloved  Faith, 
whom  he  could  protect  no  longer,  Oswald  sat  in  the 
criminal's  apartment  of  the  guard-house,  looking 
listlessly  through  his  grated  window  upon  the  snow- 
covered  market-place.  It  was  a  cold  still  night,  and 
the  stars  shone  through  the  clear  atmosphere  with 
unusual  brilliancy.  The  persecutors  and  the  afflicted 
were  finally  at  peace,  and  had  forgotten  their  inso- 
lence and  their  sufferings  in  the  embraces  of  sleep. 
The  clocks  of  the  church  towers  struck  the  midnight 
hour.  The  guard  was  aroused  for  the  purpose  of 
relieving  the  sentinels  on  post,  and  the  rattling  of 
arms  resounded  through  the  guard-house.  The 
noise,  however,  soon  subsiding,  quiet  again  prevailed, 
and  Oswald,  to  whom  the  confused  and  restless 
working  of  his  mind  had  become  almost  insupporta- 
ble, laid  his  weary  head  upon  the  table  and  tried  to 
sleep.  Just  then  the  bolts  were  drawn  and  his  door 
was  softly  opened.  A  corporal  of  the  Lichtensteins, 
with  a  dark  lantern,  and  accompanied  by  two  soldiers, 


96         TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

entered  the  prison.  Releasing  the  prisoner  from  his 
chains,  he  commanded  him,  *  follow  me  to  the  count !  * 

'Am  I  already  sentenced?'  asked  Oswald,  with 
bitterness.  '  Am  I  to  be  executed  secretly,  under 
the  veil  of  night  ?  It  is  a  sad  confession  that  your 
deeds  will  not  bear  the  light  of  day  ! ' 

'  Silence  ! '  said  the  corporal,  motioning  him  to 
follow. 

'  God  help  me  !'  cried  Oswald,  throwing  his  mantle 
over  his  shoulders  and  advancing. 

The  whole  guard  were  snoring  upon  their  benches, 
the  officer  was  in  his  well  warmed  little  room  slumber- 
ing amidst  his  wine  flasks,  and  even  the  sentinel  with- 
out, leaned  nodding  upon  his  halberd.  He  was  roused, 
however,  by  the  approaching  foot-steps,  and  present- 
ing his  halberd  to  the  corporal  he  cried,  '  who  goes 
there  ? ' 

'  A  good  friend  I '  boldly  answered  the  corporal, 
whispering  the  countersign.  '  We  are  commanded 
to  bring  the  prisoner  to  the  general.' 

'  Pass  ! '  said  the  sentinel,  shouldering  his  arms. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 


The  four  hastened  forth  together.  A  sharp  wind 
whistled  over  the  market,  while  a  raven,  scared  by  the 
wanderers,  arose  with  loud  croakings  from  its  snowy 
bed  and  with  its  heavy  flapping  wings  slowly  moved 
away.  The  shivering  youth  wrapped  his  mantle 
more  closely  about  him  and  followed  the  corporal 
without  troubling  himself  respecting  the  soldiers  ;  these 
last  soon  fell  into  the  rear,  and,  dexterously  turning 
into  another  street,  disappeared. 

'  Here  we  are,'  said  the  corporal,  suddenly  turning 
to  Oswald.  The  latter,  startled  from  his  death- 
dream,  looked  wildly  about  him.  He  was  standing 
among  the  graves  in  a  parish  churchyard. 

'  Is  this  indeed  to  be  my  last  resting  place  ? '  he 
asked,  throwing  off  his  mantle.  *  Only  direct  me 
where  to  kneel,  and  be  sure  you  take  good  aim.' 

*  Kneel,  indeed,  you  must,  my  worthy  youngster,' 
cried  the  corporal,  with  joyful  emotion,  and  thank 
God  for  your  rescue,  as  soon  as  you  are  in  safety  ; 
but  with  the  death  shot  we  have  now  nothing  to  do. 
You  are  free.' 
9 


98  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'Free!'  cried  Oswald,  now  for  the  first  time 
missing  the  two  soldiers. 

'  Have  you  really  forgotten  your  old  friend  Flo- 
rian  ? '  asked  the  corporal,  throwing  the  light  of  the 
lantern  upon  his  facej  of  which  Oswald  soon  recog- 
nized the  well  known  lineaments. 

'  Thou  true  friend  ! '  cried  Oswald,  embracing  the 
good  old  man  with  grateful  affection.  '  Thou,  who 
once  so  carefully  guarded  the  boy  against  the  trifling 
dangers  of  youth,  wouldst  thou  now  save  the  life  of 
the  man  !  I  dare  not  accept  the  freedom  you  offer 
me,'  he  thoughtfully  added.  '  According  to  martial 
law  you  forfeit  your  life  by  this  act.  Rather  than 
expose  you  to  such  consequences,  I  would  prefer  to 
resume  my  chains.' 

'  Do  not  trouble  yourself,'  answered  the  corporal. 
•  The  two  soldiers  who  accompanied  me  are  secretly 
Lutherans,  and  had  previously  determined  to  desert 
this  night.  Your  father  supposes  I  am  already  gone. 
I  have  my  discharge  in  my  pocket.  Although  I  am 
a  good  catholic  christian,  I  cannot  bring  myself  to 
approve  of  his  method  of  making  people  blessed,  and 
prefer  quitting  the  service  before  I  have  w^holly  un- 
learned to  be  a  man.  As  soon  as  the  gates  open  in 
the  morning  I  shall  leave  this  wretched  city  for  my 
peaceful  home.  If  you  are  willing  to  accompany  me, 
1  will  provide  you  with  other  clothes  and  pass  you 
off  as  my  son.' 

'  No,  my  old  friend,'  said  Oswald.  '  I  am  bound 
to  these  walls  by  strong  ties.     They  enclose  what  is 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  99 

dearest  to  me  on  earth  ;  and  I  must  remain  here  to 
watch  over  and  protect,  until  I  succeed  in  rescuing 
her,  or  fall  in  the  attempt.' 

'  Of  course  you  will  act  your  pleasure,'  said  the 
corporal.  '  Besides,  they  will  not  seek  for  you  very 
earnestly,  for  captain  Hurka  is  by  no  means  dead.' 

'  How,  Hurka  living  ?  '  asked  Oswald  with  mingled 
regret  and  joy. 

*  It  is  harder  to  root  out  weeds  than  wholesome 
plants,'  said  the  old  man.  'Your  blow  was  right  well 
intended,  but  did  not  penetrate  very  deeply,  and 
the  long  swoon  which  they  mistook  for  death  was 
only  stupefaction.' 

*  Ha,  how  furiously  will  the  fiend  rage  again  ! ' 
cried  Oswald  with  anxiety  and  indignation. 

'  Make  yourself  easy  upon  that  score  ! '  said 
the  old  man  consolingly.  '  He  is  now  disabled  by 
his  wound,  and  your  father  has  caused  a  lecture  to 
be  read  to  him,  that  may  well  satisfy  him  for  the 
present.  Besides,  the  merchant  Fessel  has  been 
released  from  his  imprisonment,  together  with  his 
children.' 

'  How  stands  it  with  his  wife  ? '  asked  Oswald. 

'  Indeed,  she  is  to  be  buried  the  day  after  to- 
morrow,' slowly  answered  the  old  man. 

'  Eternal  God  ! '  shrieked  Oswald  in  the  wildest 
sorrow.  '  Vice  saved  and  virtue  in  the  grave,  and 
shall  we  yet  believe  in  thy  providence  ? ' 

'  Yes,  my  son,  we  must!'  said  the  old  man,  re* 
provingly.    'We  must  believe  in  the  Father's  guiding 


100  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

hand,  not  merely  in  the  sunshine  before  the  gathered 
sheaves,  but  also  in  the  tempest  which  scatters  the 
harvest.  Else  have  we  not  the  true  faith.  Treasure 
up  this  sentiment,  even  though  it  comes  from  the 
lips  of  an  unlettered  catholic.  It  has  been  a  friendly 
light  to  me  upon  life's  weary  road,  and  will  continue 
to  cheer  me  onward  to  the  grave.  Now  farewell. 
The  morning  wind  already  blows  across  the  graves, 
and  I  have  yet  many  preparations  to  make  for  my 
journey.  Farewell,  and  remember  me  kindly.  Should 
I  never  see  you  again  upon  earth,  God  grant  that  we 
may  hereafter  meet  where  the  true  Shepherd  shall 
gather  all  his  lambs,  even  those  who  have  here 
strayed  from  the  flock,  into  one  fold.' 

He  once  more  shook  the  youth  most  cordially  by 
the  hand,  and  then  with  hasty  and  vigorous  strides 
left  the  church-yard. 


CHAPTER    XV. 


The  day  appointed  for  madam  Fessel's  interment 
was  drawing  to  a  close.  A  crowd  of  people  had 
assembled  in  the  parish  church-yard,  with  weeping  eyes 
and  pallid  faces,  awaiting  in  gloomy  silence  the  arrival 
of  the  funeral  procession.  Two  grave-diggers  stood 
leaning  upon  their  spades  beside  the  open  grave. 

The  procession  came.  *  Now  for  God's  sake  sum- 
mon resolution,'  said  a  young  Franciscan  monk,  whose 
face  was  almost  wholly  covered  by  his  cowl,  to  an 
elderly  rustic  woman  and  a  beautiful  young  peasant 
boy,  whose  eyes  were  almost  blinded  by  their  tears, 
pressing  forward  with  them  to  a  grassy  hillock  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  grave.  A  Lichtensteiner  who  had 
found  himself  in  the  crowd,  surprised  at  the  exclama- 
tion, placed  himself  near  them  and  continued  to  watch 
their  movements  narrowly. 

The  mournful  hymn  of  the  choristers  was  now  heard 

approaching.      High    waved    the    crucifix   upon    the 

church  yard  gate,  shining  silvery  bright  through   the 

evening  twilight,  and  the  choristers  in  double  ranks 

drew  slowly  toward  the  grave.     After  them  came  the 
9# 


102  TALES     FRO  31     THE     GER3IAN. 

Lutheran  preachers,  with  their  heads  cast  down. 
Next  came  the  black  coffin  upon  the  shoulders  of 
the  bearers ;  upon  its  appearance  the  whole  as- 
sembly broke  into  loud  sobs,  and  notwithstanding 
all  the  efforts  of  the  monk  to  restrain  them,  the 
peasant  woman  and  young  man  upon  the  hillock 
wrung  their  hands  with  irrepressible  sorrow\  After 
the  coffin,  came  the  weeping  clerks,  apprentices,  and 
household  servants.  Then  followed  the  bereaved 
husband,  pale  and  tearless.  With  each  hand  he  led 
one  of  his  little  daughters,  who  again  each  led  a  broth- 
er. To  them  succeeded  a  nursery  maid,  bearing  the 
little  Johannes  with  his  blooming  angel  face,  who 
smiled  upon  the  crowd  and  by  his  happy  unconscious- 
ness stirred  the  hearts  of  the  people  even  more  than 
the  sight  of  the  father  and  sisters,  w^ho  follow^ed  their 
best  beloved  to  the  grave  with  a  full  knowledge  of  their 
irreparable  loss. 

An  immeasurable  line  of  neighbors  and  friends 
closed  the  procession,  whose  tears  and  sighs,  an  ample 
testimony  of  the  worth  of  the  deceased,  solemnized  the 
burial  instead  of  tolling  bells  and  funereal  music,  which 
the  rigor  of  the  new  church  government  denied  to 
heretics. 

The  corpse  had  now  reached  the  grave.  The  bear- 
ers sat  it  down  and  removed  the  lid  of  the  coffin,  and  a 
loud  lament  filled  the  air  at  the  sight  of  the  mart}T. 
The  kiss  of  the  angel  of  death  had  removed  all  traces 
of  her  late  sufferings  from  her  countenance.  With 
softly  closed  eyes,  and  a  heavenly  smile  upon  her  lips, 
she  lay,  as  if  awaiting  that  blessed  morning  whose 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  103 

aurora  seemed  already  dawning  upon  her  spiritual 
vision. 

With  outward  composure  the  widower  approached 
the  coffin,  clasped  the  folded  hands  of  the  pale  corpse, 
murmured,  '  Farewell,  thou  true  one  ;  soon  shall  we 
meet  again,'  —  and  silently  retired. 

The  weeping  children  now  rushed  forward,  but  the 
clergyman.  Beer,  directed  the  servants  to  lead  them 
back.  He  then  stepped  to  the  coffin,  requested  the 
audience  to  be  silent,  and  with  a  loud  voice  addressed 
them  as  follows  : 

'  *  Father  forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what  they 
do  ! '  These  words  of  Christ,  with  which  he  prayed 
for  his  persecutors,  were  the  last  words  I  heard  from 
the  blessed  being  whose  earthly  remains  we  are  now 
about  to  consign  to  the  grave.  My  anger  was  inflamed 
by  the  atrocities  which  were  daily  committed  in  our 
city  under  the  mantle  of  religion,  and  I  prayed  that 
the  avenging  fire  of  God's  wrath  might  descend  and 
consume  our  tormentors.  This  deceased  saint  checked 
my  imprecation  by  calling  to  my  mind  the  divine 
prayer  of  our  holy  Savior,  and  with  a  chastened  and 
humble  spirit  I  repeated  after  her :  '  Father  forgive 
them,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do.' 

'  And  so  must  you  henceforth  pray,  my  hearers. 
Of  the  men  who  now  by  divine  permission  pursue  and 
persecute  us,  by  far  the  greater  number  are  acting  not 
from  inveterate  cruelty  but  under  the  influence  of  a 
mistaken  sense  of  religious  duty,  and  desire  to  lead 


104  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

US  back  to  that  path  which  they  deem  the  only  safe 
one ;  and  this  desire  is  not  censurable. 

^  But  that  they  seek,  by  means  of  persecution  and 
torture,  to  compel  us  to  receive  what  they  hold  to  be 
the  true  faith,  —  that  they  would  bind  the  immortal 
spirit  with  earthly  chains,  when  the  word  of  God 
cannot  be  bound  or  confined,  —  therein  lies  their 
error.  It  therefore  becomes  us  as  christians  to  forgive 
them  ;  '  they  know  not  what  they  do.' 

'  Even  that  terrible  man  whose  barbarity  has  de- 
stroyed this  blessed  martyr  to  our  faith,  knew  not,  as 
we  charitably  hope,  what  he  did ,  —  and  therefore  will 
we  not  curse  him,  but  pray  to  God  that  he  will  purify 
his  heart  and  enlighten  his  mind. 

'  Therefore  let  us  patiently  suffer  the  afflictions 
which  the  Lord  may  yet  send  us  for  our  good,  without 
hatred  towards  the  instruments  he  may  employ  for 
that  purpose,  and  thus  seek  to  become  worthy  of  the 
glorious  martyrs  to  the  pure  Christianity  of  the  first 
ages,  and  of  this  our  blessed  friend.  Should  He  require 
us  also  to  lay  down  our  lives  for  our  faith,  so  will  we 
without  anger  or  opposition  bow  our  necks  to  the 
death-dealing  axe,  and  die  with  the  departing  excla- 
mation of  our  Savior,  *  it  is  fulfilled  !  —  Amen.'  ' 

He  retired.  The  lid  of  the  cofiin  was  fastened 
down,  and  it  was  then  lowered  into  the  earth. 

In  accordance  with  a  pious  old  custom,  the  husband 
and  orphans  each  cast  three  handsful  of  earth  into  the 
grave,  as  a  last  farewell,  and  the  bereaved  man  then 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  10-5 

retired,  tearless  as  he  had  come,  while  the  children 
found  relief  for  their  sorrow  in  audible  weeping. 

All  the  spectators  now  pressed  about  the  grave  to 
pay  the  last  honors  to  the  dear  departed,  and  from 
hundreds  of  hands  fell  the  earth  upon  the  coffin  below. 
The  young  Franciscan  also,  by  great  exertion  made  a 
path  for  himself  to  the  grave ;  having  thrown  in 
his  handful  of  earth,  he  hastily  caught  hold  of  his 
companions,  and  exclaiming,  '  now  forward,  the  mo- 
ments are  precious  ! '  led  them  away. 

*  Why  should  the  moments  be  so  precious  to  this 
monk  ?  '  mused  the  observant  Lichtensteiner ;  and 
then,  after  a  moment's  reflection,  he  suddenly  cried, 
'  the  captain  may  be  able  to  explain  it  ! '  —  and  ran 
from  the  church-yard. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


Ix  a  low  chamber  in  the  little  village  of  Friedland, 
eight  days  later,  lay  the  aged  Mrs.  Rosen  on  the  sick  bed 
upon  which  the  effects  of  her  long  confinement  in  the 
cellar,  the  extraordinary  exertions  consequent  upon 
her  sudden  ^io-lit,  and  more  than  all,  her  sorrow  for 
the  loss  of  her  beloved  daughter,  had  thrown  her. 
The  owner  of  the  house,  a  weaver's  widow,  who  had 
formerly  been  a  servant  to  her,  and  who  had  been 
indebted  to  her  liberality  for  her  comfortable  estab- 
lishment, stood  at  the  head  of  her  bed  with  a  phial 
and  spoon  in  her  hand,  and  with  a  countenance 
expressive  of  the  tenderest  sympathy.  Before  the 
bed  sat  Oswald  and  the  weeping  Faith. 

'  Compose  yourself,  my  daughter,'  said  the  matron. 
*  I  shall  surely  recover  from  this  illness.  Alas,  one 
may  suffer  much  before  the  thread  of  life  will  break ! 
I  feel  much  better  to-day  than  I  did  yesterday,  and  I 
hope  not  to  be  the  cause  of  anxiety  much  longer.' 

'  God  grant  it  ! '  sobbed  Faith,  sinking  upon  her 
knees  before  the  bed,  and  covering  her  dear  mother's 
hand  with  her  kisses  and  tears. 


r 

THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  107 

At  that  moment  Jonas,  the  widow's  son,  entered 
the  cottage  with  his  hat  and  traveling  staff,  gave  them 
a  melancholy  and  silent  greeting,  and  began  to  unpack 
his  bundle. 

'  So  soon  returned  from  Schweidnitz  ? '  asked 
Oswald.     '  What  is  the  state  of  affairs  there  ? ' 

*  Still  very  bad,  sir,'  answered  Jonas.  '  The  soldiers 
abuse  and  oppress  the  people  in  a  manner  that  might 
soften  a  heart  of  stone ;  and  you  may  consider  it  for- 
tunate that  you  are  here.' 

'  Did  you  succeed  in  speaking  to  my  brother-in-law, 
my  good  friend  ?  '  anxiously  asked  Faith. 

*  I  saw  him  last  evening,  and  told  and  gave  him  all. 
He  keeps  about  with  difficulty,  to  save  his  household 
from  entire  ruin.  He  gave  me  this  letter  and  this  bag 
of  gold  for  you,  and  sends  kind  greetings  to  you  all.' 

Oswald  took  the  letter,  broke  the  seal  and  read : 

'  The  persecution  still  rages,  and  I  thank  heaven 
that  you  are  for  the  present  in  a  place  of  safety. 
Immediately  after  the  funeral  of  my  dear  Katharine, 
the  clergymen  were  all  compelled  to  leave  the  city. 
In  the  course  of  the  night  my  house  underwent  a  strict 
search,  and  even  the  vault  in  which  you  were  so  long 
concealed  did  not  escape.  The  captain  has  already 
nearly  recovered,  and  left  his  bed  to-day  for  the  first 
time,  to  wait  upon  the  colonel.  The  latter,  as  I 
understand,  gave  him  a  very  unpleasant  reception. 
They  afterwards  conferred  together  for  two  hours, 
with  closed  doors.     What  was  there  agreed  upon  God 


IDS  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

only  knows ;  but  when  the  captain  returned,  I  was 
standing  in  front  of  my  shop,  and  he  greeted  me  in  a 
manner  so  terribly  courteous  that  it  made  me  shudder. 
I  have  just  heard  that  a  squadron  of  dragoons  have 
orders  to  be  ready  for  a  movement  to-morrow  morning 
at  day-break ;  but  their  destination  is  kept  secret. 
God  be  merciful  to  the  poor  people  upon  whom  they 
may  fall.  I  send  you  what  I  can  spare,  and  beg  that 
you  will  not  again  write  or  send  any  message  to  me 
until  I  make  kno^^^l  to  you  that  you  can  do  so  with 
safety.  My  guests  keep  a  sharp  watch  upon  me,  and 
I  am  very  anxious  about  your  last  letter,  which  I 
mislaid  in  consequence  of  one  of  the  soldiers  having 
interrupted  me  while  reading  it.  I  yet  hope  to  find  it 
again.     God  preserve  you  and  me  ! ' 

A  death-like  stillness  prevailed  in  the  room  at  the 
conclusion  of  the  reading,  and  no  one  ventured  to 
express  the  reneAved  apprehensions  which  the  letter 
had  inspired. 

'  This  is  a  discouraging  letter,'  at  length  observed 
Oswald,  interrupting  the  general  silence ;  '  and  I 
begin  to  fear  we  are  not  entirely  safe  even  here. 
Would  that  we  had  fled  to  Breslau,  as  I  advised  I  The 
capital  of  the  province,  which  is  at  the  same  time  the 
seat  of  government  of  the  principality,  will  surely  be 
spared  the  longest.' 

He  was  interrupted  by  a  disturbance  out  of  doors 
very  unusual  for  that  quiet  and  retired  village.  People 
were  running:  to  and  fro  and  callinor  to  each  other  in 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  109 

the  streets,  and  Oswald,  alarmed,  sprang  for  his  sword 
which  lay  in  the  recess  of  the  window. 

'  Go  out  and  see  what  is  the  cause  of  this  disturb- 
ance,' said  he  to  Jonas,  and  bring  us  word  as  soon  as 
possible.' 

Jonas  obeyed,  and  his  mother  observed,  '  something 
very  dreadful  must  have  happened  ;  for  the  people  are 
running  and  screaming,  as  if  a  fire  had  broken  out  or 
an  enemy  were  at  the  gates.' 

*  Protect  us,  Oswald,'  begged  Faith,  leaning  trem- 
blingly upon  the  youth. 

*  While  I  live  ! '  answered  he,  grasping  his  sword. 

*  Save  yourselves  —  the  converters  are  coming  ! ' 
cried  Jonas,  rushing  into  the  room. 

'  It  must  be  a  false  alarm,'  cried  Oswald.  '  You 
must  be  mistaken.' 

*  I  was  told  so  by  a  farmer  who  has  just  returned 
from  Waldenburg.  He  was  about  to  leave  that  city, 
when  a  squadron  of  the  Lichtenstein  dragoons  entered  it. 
They  dismounted  for  breakfast,  and  he  had  it  from 
the  mouth  of  one  of  the  soldiers  that  this  village  was 
their  place  of  destination.  Whereupon  he  immediately 
left  the  city  and  drove  home  as  fast  as  possible  to  give 
the  alarm.' 

*  Then  we  must  have  at  least  an  hour's  start  of 
them,'  said  Oswald ;  and  turning  to  madam  Rosen, 
'  if  you  feel  able  to  travel,  I  will  immediately  provide 
a  conveyance  to  Bohemia.' 

*  No,  my  son,'  said  the  matron,  with  a  melancholy 

10 


110  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

smile.  '  For  this  time  I  must  remain  here  and  await 
the  providence  of  God.  I  should  only  hinder  you  in 
your  flight,  and  you  would  at  last  have  only  a  corpse 
to  convey  across  the  border.' 

'  I  stir  not  from  your  side  I '  sobbed  the  tender  Faith, 
clasping  her  mother  with  anxious  affection. 

'  That  would  be  folly,  my  child,'  said  the  mother, 
earnestly,  *  and  a  very  childish  demonstration  of  your 
love.  You  and  your  betrothed  are  the  objects  of 
the  search  of  our  persecutors.  They  would  have 
little  desire  to  encumber  themselves  with  me.  I  have 
wandered  here  as  a  peasant  woman,  and  our  hostess 
can  give  them  to  understand,  that  I  am  a  yarn  gatherer 
suddenly  taken  ill  at  her  house.  Your  charms,  and 
Oswald's  stately  figure  render  it  impossible  for  you  to 
be  concealed  in  the  same  way,  and  therefore  you  must 
instantly  forth.' 

'  Never  ! '  cried  Faith,  wringing  her  hands. 

*  It  is  my  will,'  said  the  mother,  with  decision. 
^  Will  you,  my  daughter,  increase  the  sorrows  of  your 
sick  mother  by  disobedience,  and  betray  by  your 
presence  what  otherwise  may  remain  undiscovered  ? 
Would  you  see  your  lover  fall  before  your  eyes,  unable 
to  defend  you  against  superior  force  ? ' 

'  I  obey,'  sighed  Faith  ;  and  she  hastened  to  pack  a 
small  bundle  and  put  on  her  cloak. 

'  By  the  holy  faith  which  we  profess  in  common,' 
said  the  hostess,  *  you  leave  your  mother  in  good 
hands.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  Ill 

'  I  am  sure  of  that,  and  consequently  depart  with 
confidence,'  said  Oswald,  leading  the  inconsolable 
maiden  to  her  mother's  bed-side. 

With  bright  eyes  the  mother  placed  her  daughter's 
hand  in  that  of  Oswald.  '  Be  ye  one,  here  and  here- 
after ! '  cried  she.  '  That  is  my  blessing  upon  your 
espousals ;  and  now  let  me  beg  of  you  to  go  directly, 
without  any  leave-taking,  for  which  I  have  not  strength, 
and  which  will  rob  you  of  time,  every  moment  of 
which  is  invaluable.' 

Faith  attempted  to  speak  again,  but  her  mother 
pointed  towards  the  door,  and  Oswald  led  her  forth. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 


Daylight  had  long  since  disappeared  when  Os- 
wald and  Faith  alighted  from  their  w^agon  at  a 
solitary  inn  beyond  the  Bohemian  boundary.  '  Here 
you  are  for  the  present  in  safety,'  said  the  conductor 
who  had  brought  them  from  Friedland,  knocking  at 
the  door.  '  The  people  of  the  house  are  honest,  and 
of  our  faith  at  heart.  The  vicinity  is  full  of  secret 
Hussites.' 

'  Who  comes  so  late  ? '  asked  a  little,  dark- 
complexioned  old  woman,  opening  the  door  with  her 
hand  held  before  a  flickering  torch. 

'  A  young  wedded  pair,  mother  Thekla,'  answered 
the  conductor,  '  who  are  fleeing  before  the  converters. 
Receive  them  kindly  and  take  good  care  of  them. 
God  will  reward  you  for  it.' 

'  It  is  but  our  duty,'  said  the  woman.  '  Come  in, 
poor  creatures.' 

'  Farewell,'  said  the  conductor  to  Oswald.  '  I 
intend  to  return  directly  ;  for  my  wife  and  children 
may  not  be  safely  left  without  a  protector  among  the 
reckless  soldiery.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  Il3 

'And,  that  you  have  brought  me  here — '  said 
Oswald,  forcing  into  his  hand  a  couple  of  dollars 
over  and  above  the  fee  agreed  upon 

'  I  have  already  forgotten  it,'  said  the  conductor, 
laughing.  '  Besides,  when  I  get  into  the  forest,  I 
intend  to  load  my  wagon  with  wood,  w^hich  I  shall 
gaily  drag  into  Friedland  early  in  the  morning,  and 
nobody  will  think  of  asking  me  what  freight  I  took 
thence.     May  God  protect  you  ! ' 

He  mounted  his  wagon  and  drove  rapidly  away, 
while  Oswald  led  his  companion  into  the  bar-room. 
To  their  great  satisfaction  it  was  tolerably  empty. 
Only  in  one  corner  of  the  room  snored  three  men 
and  four  large  hounds  on  some  straw,  and  at  a  table 
near  the  gray-headed  host,  with  a  goblet  before  him, 
sat  a  large  strongly  built  man  in  the  dress  of  a 
Bohemian  peasant.  Oswald  observed  the  sabre 
which  the  guest  bore,  and  the  large  knife  in  his 
girdle,  with  some  suspicion ;  but  the  honest  linea- 
ments and  saddened  expression  of  his  brown,  haggard 
face,  again  inspired  him  with  confidence.  He  courte- 
ously seated  himself  at  the  table  and  called  for  a 
glass  of  wine,  while  Faith  was  arranging  with  the 
hostess  for  a  supper  and  accommodations  for  the 
night. 

'  You  are  in  flight   on  account  of  your  faith,  as  I 
hear,  my  dear  sir  ? '  asked   the  stranger  in  a  voice  of 
the  deepest  bass,  and  at  the   same  time  glancing  at 
him  mistrustfully  with  his  wild,  black  eyes. 
10* 


114  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  The  time  and  weather  would  have  been  badly 
chosen  for  a  journey  of  pleasure,'  peevishly  answered 
Dorn. 

'  You  must  surely  have  come  from  Jauer,  or  Loe- 
wenberg,  or  Schweidnitz  ? '  further  asked  the  man  ; 
'  for  they  are  very  strenuously  pushing  the  counter- 
reformation  in  those  places  just  now. 

'You  are  by  far  too  curious  I'  cried  Oswald,  with 
displeasure.  '  I  do  not  willingly  listen  to  such  ques- 
tions from  strangers.' 

'  It  is  the  business  of  my  office  to  ask  questions, 
my  young  gentleman,'  thundered  the  stranger ;  '  for 
I  am  a  captain  of  Bohemian  provincial  troops,  and 
am  stationed  here  upon  the  border  to  guard  against 
the  influx  of  Silesian  heretics.' 

While  he  said  this,  the  four  hounds  sprang  up  and 
placed  themselves  growling  before  Oswald,  and  the 
three  men  half  raised  their  bodies  from  the  straw, 
their  flashing  eyes  peering  from  their  dark  brown 
faces,  and  their  well  scoured  muskets  glistening  in 
their  hands.  Oswald  instantly  arose  and  drew  his 
sword. 

'  Put  up  your  weapon  ! '  the  man  now  cried  in  an 
altered  tone,  seizing  his  goblet.  '  I  but  wished  to  be 
certain  of  my  man.  Come,  be  again  quietly  seated, 
and  do  me  justice  in  a  fresh  goblet.  The  Bohemian 
goose  and  Silesian  swan  ! ' 

'  Huss  and  Luther  I '  cried  Oswald  touching  glasses 
and   emptying  his  own  with   a  lighter  heart,  while 


THE      LICHTENSTEINS.  115 

the  hounds  and  soldiers  again  stretched  themselves 
upon  the  straw. 

*"Do  not  be  offended  that  I  thought  it  necessaiy  to 
prove  you,'  said  the  Bohemian  ;  '  but  the  tricks  and 
artifices  of  the  papists  are  so  manifold,  that  these 
precautions  are  rendered  quite  necessary.  You  might 
have  been  a  spy  of  the  Jesuits.  Since  we  now 
understand  each  other,  however,  I  may  converse  with 
you  without  reserve.  You  are  not  safe  even  here. 
For  my  old  friend,  our  host,  I  will  indeed  be  answer- 
able ;  but  the  converters  sometimes  come  over  the 
border  to  us  ;  especially  when  they  deem  that  they 
have  important  game  in  view ;  and  you  appear  to 
me  as  though  you  might  be  of  some  consequence. 
Therefore,  if  it  be  agreeable,  I  will  conduct  you  and 
your  little  wife  to  a  place,  where  you  may  dwell  in 
peace  behind  the  everlasting  walls  which  the  Lord 
himself  has  built  for  the  defence  of  persecuted 
innocents.' 

'  There  is  no  falsehood  in  that  face ! '  answered 
Oswald ;  '  and  I  accept  your  offer  with  gratitude.' 

'  You  will  not  indeed  find  our  residence  very 
elegant,'  said  the  Bohemian ;  '  and  that  delicate 
female  form  may  be  wholly  unaccustomed  to  such 
quarters  ;  but  necessity  reconciles  one  to  privations, 
and  a  very  little  suffices  for  our  actual  necessities.' 

*  Be  not  concerned  on  that  account,'  said  Faith, 
who  had  now  seated  herself  near  Oswald.  ^  A  safe 
shelter  is  all  we  wish.' 


116  TALES     FRO.'\I     THE     GERMAN.. 

'  Well,  eat  your  supper/  said  the  Bohemian,  '  and 
retire  quickly  to  rest,  that  you  may  be  ready  to  start 
by  day-break  in  the  morning.  I  have  been  long 
accustomed  to  watch  through  the  night,  and  will 
guard  you  faithfully.  With  the  rising  sun  we  shall 
be  among  the  rocks.' 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 


Wrapped  in  his  cloak,  Oswald  was  yet  sweetly 
and  soundly  sleeping  upon  the  iloor,  before  the  only 
bed  in  the  house,  in  which  his  fair  companion  was 
slumbering.  A  knock  was  heard  at  the  door,  and  the 
Bohemian  cried,  *  bestir  yourself,  sir.  The  morning 
breaks,  and  we  must  away  I '  The  youth  sprang  upon 
his  feet  and  awoke  the  maiden  with  a  kiss.  Soon 
ready  to  set  out,  they  took  a  grateful  leave  of  their 
worthy  hosts  and  stepped  to  the  door.  Every  object 
was  obscured  by  a  thick  morning  mist ;  and  the  sun, 
like  a  large  red  ball  of  fearful  size,  was  just  rising  in 
the  east. 

'  Let  us  wait  a  little,  until  the  sun  has  dissipated 
the  mist,'  said  the  Bohemian,  '  lest  the  lady  should 
hurt  her  feet  among  the  rocks.' 

They  stood  a  short  time,  waiting  and  shivering  in 
the  morning  wind.  Oswald  had  thrown  his  cloak 
over  Faith,  and  held  her  closely  clasped  to  keep  her 
warm.  The  mist  moved  before  them  like  a  waving 
ocean,  and  apparently  resolved  itself  into  numerous 
dark  clouds,  which  settled  down  upon  the  earth,  and 


118  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

seemed  to  root  themselves  there.  Meanwhile  the  sun 
had  mounted  higher,  the  waving  of  the  ocean  of  mist 
increased,  and  suddenly  there  came  a  powerful  gust 
of  wind  which  rent  and  pressed  down  the  immense 
cloud-curtain,  when  a  scene  as  singular  as  it  was 
magnificent,  lay  before  Oswald's  astonished  eyes. 
The  dark  clouds  that  had  appeared  to  sink  down 
upon  the  earth,  had  changed  to  huge  masses  of  gray 
rocks,  which,  rising  up  into  the  blue  ether  like  count- 
less palaces,  churches  and  high  towers,  assumed  the 
appearance  of  a  gigantic  city.  Softly  rounded  snow- 
domes,  crimsoned  by  the  rays  of  the  morning  sun  and 
glistening  with  thousands  of  diamonds,  adorned  the 
summits  of  these  natural  edifices,  and  the  undying 
verdure  of  the  pines  and  firs  which  arose  here  and 
there  from  the  clefts  of  the  rocks,  gave  a  cheerful 
aspect  to  the  view. 

'  Great  is  the  Lord,  when  seen  in  his  works  ! '  cried 
the  enraptured  Oswald,  withdrawing  his  mantle  from 
Faith,  to  enable  her  to  enjoy  the  spectacle. 

Opening  her  large  and  beautiful  eyes,  she  stood 
awhile  as  if  blinded.  '  How  came  this  strange  and 
wonderful  city  here  ? '  asked  she  with  astonishment. 
'  Is  it  indeed  a  city  ?  * 

'  Certainly,'  answered  the  Bohemian,  laughing. 
'  We  call  it  the  stone  city,  and  divide  it  into  city  and 
suburbs.  It  is  here,  however,  properly  called  the 
rocks  of  Aldersbach.' 

'  Are  we  to  go  in  among  those  rocks  ? '  anxiously 
asked  Faith,  clasping  her  Oswald  more  closely. 


THE     LIGHTEN  STEINS.  119 

'  There  is  no  other  way,  my  child,'  answered  the 
latter.  'Be  not  alarmed  —  you  see  that  I  am  not 
disturbed,  which  I  should  be,  if  I  anticipated  any 
danger  to  you.' 

'  Ah,  you  iron-nerved  men  never  anticipate  danger 
until  it  is  close  at  hand,'  said  the  maiden  ;  '  and  then 
it  is  too  late  to  avoid  it.' 

'  Go  on  in  advance,  Lotek,'  said  the  Bohemian  to 
one  of  his  companions.  '  Beat  the  path  a  little 
where  the  snow  lies  too  deep  ;  announce  to  the  wor- 
thy pastor  that  I  bring  him  guests,  and  kindle  a  good 
fire  in  my  quarters,  that  the  lady  may  be  rendered 
comfortable  on  her  arrival.' 

Lotek  threw  his  musket  upon  his  back,  whistled  to 
his  wolf-dog,  stepped  off  with  long  strides,  and  soon 
disappeared  among  the  rocks. 

'  Now,  if  agreeable,  we  also  will  start,'  said  the 
Bohemian.  '  The  sun  is  tolerably  high,  and  I  would 
not  willingly  remain  abroad  in  open  day.' 

'  Come,  my  child,'  said  Oswald,  offering  his  arm  to 
Faith,  which  she  took  with  a  sigh,  and  they  briskly 
entered  among  the  rocks.  The  procession  was  led  by 
the  Bohemian,  closed  by  his  armed  companions,  and 
flanked  by  the  hounds. 

'  These  masses  are  frightfully  high,'  said  Faith, 
looking  anxiously  up  at  their  summits. 

'  They  appear  so  to  you,'  said  the  Bohemian,  look- 
ing back.  *  These,  however,  are  but  small  affairs. 
We  are  now  only  in  the  suburbs.  In  the  city  you 
will  see  rocks  worth  talking  about.' 


120  TALES    FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  Heaven  take  pity  on  us  ! '  sighed  Faith,  wander- 
ing on  until  she  came  to  an  open  space.  Here  tower- 
ed up,  solitary  and  frightful,  a  single  monstrous  gray 
rock,  formed  like  an  inverted  cone  with  its  base 
stretching  high  up  into  the  clouds  and  its  apex 
imbedded  in  a  lake  of  ice. 

*  Do  not  go  so  near,  Oswald,'  said  Faith.  ^  This 
large  rock  must  in  the  next  moment  tumble  over.' 

'  Fear  it  not,'  said  the  Bohemian.  '  This  is  the 
Sugarloaf,  which  has  been  standing  thus  upon  its 
head  for  thousands  of  years,  and  will  surely  retain 
its  position  long  after  we  are  in  our  graves.' 

They  were  still  advancing,  when  Faith,  who  was 
somewhat  ashamed  to  exhibit  her  fears  to  the  Bohe- 
mian, whispered  to  Oswald,  '  only  see  that  horrible 
gray  giant's  head  projecting  over  us  from  between 
those  high  towers.  I  can  plainly  discern  a  monstrous, 
solemn  looking  face,  surrounded  by  flowing  gray 
locks.' 

'  That  is  the  burgomaster,'  said  the  laughing  Bohe- 
mian, who  well  understood  the  whisper.  '  So  is  this 
sport  of  nature  called,  and  it  is  the  most  beautiful  of 
any  here.  You  need  not  fear  him,  for  he  is  the  only 
burgomaster  on  earth  who  never  troubled  any  one.' 

They  continued  to  proceed  farther  and  farther,  until 
at  length  they  were  interrupted  by  a  purling  moun- 
tain stream.  Beyond  it,  stood  a  broad  mass  of  stone. 
The  Bohemian  leaped  across  the  rivulet,  rattling  down 
a  quantity  of  loose  stones  behind  him,  and  with  the 
humming  operation  of  some  wheel-work,  the  heavy 


THE      LICHTENSTEINS.  121 

Stone  moved  slowly  aside,  and  discovered  a  low,  nar- 
row opening. 

'  Do  we  enter  there  ? '  asked  Faith  in  a  tone  so  dis- 
consolate as  to  call  forth  a  hearty  laugh  from  all  the 
Bohemians.  Even  Oswald  joined  in  the  laugh,  and, 
clasping  the  maiden  in  his  arms,  he  sprung  with  her 
to  the  opposite  bank.  They  all  now  stood  within  a 
narrow  passage,  the  wheel-work  again  moved,  the 
entrance  closed,  and  they  were  enveloped  in  darkness. 

'  It  is  very  dark  here  ! '  cried  Faith, 

'  We  shall  soon  come  into  the  light,'  said  their 
leader,  advancing.  The  others  followed,  and  they 
thus  proceeded  in  a  narrow  path,  floored  with  yielding 
planks,  and  bounded  by  high  perpendicular  walls  of 
dark  gray  stone,  between  which  was  seen  the  dark 
blue  sky  —  so  dark  indeed,  that  they  could  almost 
distinguish  the  stars  in  broad  day-light.  The  trick- 
ling water  glistened  upon  the  walls  like  silver  threads 
upon  a  black  velvet  ground  ;  and  here  and  there  little 
waterfalls,  forming  dazzling  crystals  with  their 
congealing  spray,  bounded  down  the  rocks  and  disap- 
peared under  the  planks  upon  which  they  were 
Avalking. 

*  If  we  follow  this  path  much  longer,'  protested 
Faith,   '  I  shall  die  of  fear  and  anxiety.' 

'  For  shame,  my  love  ! '  answ^ered  Oswald.  '  Will 
you,  who  spoke  so  boldly  for  me  to  the  grim  Wallen- 
stein,  lose  your  courage  here  in  the  bosom  of  harmo- 
nious nature,  where  we  are  especially  and  wholly  in 
the  hands  of  a  protecting  God  ?  ' 
11 


122  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

*  We  are  at  the  end  I '  exclaimed  the  Bohemian, 
stepping  out  into  the  clear  sunshine.  The  fugitives 
followed  him,  and  found  themselves  in  a  narrow 
but  pleasant  valley,  surrounded  by  high  snow-covered 
rocks  which  cut  off  this  quiet  retreat  from  the  rest 
of  the  world.  A  clear,  silver  fountain,  which  gushed 
from  a  cleft  in  the  rocks,  meandered  through  the 
vale,  Avhile  among  and  upon  the  rocks,  like  eyries, 
were  to  be  seen  about  ten  huts,  built  of  rough 
branches,  and  well  covered  with  moss,  to  secure  their 
inhabitants  from  the  inclemencies  of  the  weather. 
Men,  women,  and  children,  were  moving  in  and 
about  these  simple  dwellings  as  quietly  and  con- 
fidently as  if  they  had  resided  there  all  their  lives. 
The  fire  ordered  by  the  Bohemian  twirled  its  smoke 
up  into  the  clear  heavens,  and  there  sat  Lotek,  as- 
siduously turning  a  haunch  of  venison  which  was 
roasting  before  it.  An  old  and  venerable  man  with 
a  long  white  beard,  in  a  black  clerical  dress,  and 
Avitli  a  black  cap  surmounting  his  white  hairs,  came 
forth  from  one  of  the  best  of  the  huts  to  meet  the 
new  comers. 

'  Welcome,  ye  who  have  become  outcasts  and 
wanderers  for  the  sake  of  your  faith  I '  said  he,  with 
solemnity,  as  he  extended  to  them  the  hand  of 
friendship.  '  Welcome  to  the  Hussite's  Eest.  In  my 
hut  there  is  yet  room  for  you.  Come,  eat  of  my 
bread  and  drink  of  my  cup.  By  the  grace  of  God 
you  have  here  found  an  asylum  which  will  conceal 
and  protect  you  as  long  as  may  be  necessary ;  for  the 


THE     LIGHTEN  STEINS.  123 

destructive  storm  which  now  rages  over  the  land, 
reaches  not  here.' 

'  Heartfelt  thanks  for  your  hospitable  offer,  rever- 
end father,'  said  Oswald.  '  Have  you  dwelt  long 
among  these  rocks  ?  ' 

'  For  the  last  five  years,'  answered  the  venerable 
pastoi'i  '  After  our  emperor  (who  will  one  day  have 
to  answer  for  the  deed  before  the  judgment  seat) 
destroyed  the  sacred  edict  which  assured  toleration, 
and  burned  its  seal,  there  was  no  longer  peace  or 
safety  for  the  poor  Hussites  in  Bohemia.  As  he 
openly  declared  that  *  he  would  have  none  but 
catholic  subjects,'  more  than  thirty  thousand  of  our 
most  respected  families,  embracing  all  ranks,  wander- 
ed abroad  to  strengthen  and  enrich  foreign  countries 
by  their  wealth  and  industry.  The  poor  cultivators 
of  the  soil  could  not  avail  themselves  of  the  generous 
permission  to  emigrate  with  their  property.  They 
could  not  carry  the  soil  with  them,  and  being  thus 
com.pelled  to  remain,  they  seized  their  arms  and  fell 
upon  their  persecutors.  I  myself,  with  the  cross  in 
my  hand,  led  my  parishioners  against  the  enemy, 
and  we  struck  boldly  for  our  religion.  Fresh  armies 
were  sent  against  us  ;  the  gallows  and  racks  were 
encumbered  with  the  corpses  of  our  brethren,  and 
we  were  compelled  to  yield  ;  but  it  was  impossible 
for  us  wholly  to  abandon  our  father-land,  and  we 
therefore  threw  ourselves  into  the  caverns  among 
these  rocks,  where  a  deep  seclusion  from  the  world 
is  our  only  safety.     Here  we  live  quietly  and  peace- 


124  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

fully  upon  the  produce  of  our  labor  and  the  chase, 
which  we  dispose  of  in  Bohemia  and  Silesia,  and 
are  much  rejoiced  whenever  a  victim  of  priestly 
rage  wanders  hither  to  claim  our  protection  and 
hospitality.' 

'  We  may  now  dismiss  all  anxiety,'  said  Oswald 
to  Faith.  '  We  have  at  last  reached  a  safe  and  well 
concealed  haven.' 

'  That  beauteous  form  inclines  so  confidingly  and 
yet  so  modestly  toward  you,  young  man,'  said  the 
venerable  pastor,  '  that  I  should  judge  you  were  not 
yet  man  and  wife,  but  only  lovers.  If  you  desire  it, 
I  will  pronounce  the  blessing  of  the  church  over  you. 
I  am  fully  authorized  to  perform  the  ceremony,  having 
received  ordination  from  our  right  reverend  bishop, 
who  now  wears  the  crown  of  martyrdom  before  the 
throne  of  the  Lamb.' 

'  Have  I  your  consent,  my  dearest  ? '  asked  Oswald, 
warmly  pressing  the  maiden's  hand.  '  We  already 
have  your  mother's  blessing.' 

*  Not  now,  dear  Oswald,'  said  Faith,  with  mingled 
sadness  and  resignation.  '  I  cannot  consent  to  take 
that  important  step  while  yet  so  deeply  impressed 
with  sorrow  for  the  fate  of  my  dearest  relatives. 
Our  love  must  now  wear  the  mourning  dress  in  which 
it  has  been  clad  by  these  unhappy  times.  It  would 
be  almost  wicked  to  put  on  the  myrtle  now  ;  and  the 
decisive  yes,  which  should  be  spoken  out  of  a  joyful 
heart,  would  be  stifled  by  my  sobs  and  tears,  under 
the  present  circumstances.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  125 

'  Your  wish  can  alone  decide  the  question,'  said 
Oswald,  tenderly,  impressing  a  chaste  kiss  upon  her 
forehead. 

*  Maiden,  it  is  evident  you  have  chosen  a  worthy 
partner,'  said  the  pastor.  'And  early  has  your 
betrothed  learnt  the  lesson  of  self-denial,  the  hardest 
in  this  life  to  be  acquired.' 

Delighted  to  hear  from  such  reverend  lips  the 
praise  of  one  so  dear  to  her,  the  maiden  threw  her 
arms  about  Oswald's  neck  and  embraced  him  with 
love  and  joy. 


IP 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


'  The  morning  is  fine,'  said  Faith  to  Oswald  after 
breakfast,  as  their  venerable  host  seated  himself  with 
his  bible  upon  his  knee  ;  '  and  the  valley  here  is  so 
narrow  and  close  that  these  huge  rocks  seem  to  press 
upon  my  heart.  Let  us  therefore  walk  out  a  short 
distance  beyond  their  confines.' 

'  Venture  not  too  far,  my  children  ! '  said  the  pastor, 
in  a  warning  voice  without  raising  his  eyes  from  his 
book.  '  My  old  body  is  a  true  and  faithful  weather- 
prophet,  and  tells  me  that  we  shall  have  a  severe 
storm  to-day.  These  storms  rage  much  more  furiously 
here  than  in  the  plains,  and,  when  they  come,  every 
living  creature  finds  it  necessary  to  seek  a  shelter.' 

'We  will  soon  return,'  promised  Faith,  skipping 
forth  by  Oswald's  side. 

'  Mark  w^ell  the  place  of  entrance  to  our  retreat,' 
said  the  Hussite,  who  opened  the  outer  stone  door  for 
ihem ;  '  that  you  may  be  sure  to  find  it  again.  The 
passages  among  the  rocks  are  very  similar,  and  if  by 
mistake  you  enter  a  wrong  one  you  may  be  compelled 
to  wander  about  all  day  long.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  127 

'  Never  fear  ! '  answered  Oswald.  '  It  would  illy 
become  a  soldier  to  be  unable  to  remember  any 
locality  it  might  be  necessary  for  him  to  find  again. 
He  then  looked  at  the  highest  peaks  in  the  vicinity, 
impressed  their  relative  positions  upon  his  memory, 
carefully  examined  the  secret  door,  and  thus  prepared, 
they  went  forth  into  the  clear  fresh  morning  air  and 
soon  became  engaged  in  a  conversation  of  such  interest 
as  to  render  them  entirely  heedless  of  the  lapse  of  • 
time. 

'  I  know  not  how  it  is,'  said  Faith,  fanning  her 
glowing  face  with  her  handkerchief;  *  it  is  yet  mid 
winter  here,  and  I  am  so  very  warm.' 

'  It  is  incident  to  the  summer  of  life,'  said  their 
former  guide,  who  suddenly  stood  before  them  as 
they  turned  a  corner ;  '  especially  when  the  sun  of 
love  shines  warmly.  It  is  not  probable  you  will  have 
much  further  occasion  to  complain  of  the  heat  to-day, 
for  a  storm  is  approaching.' 

'  With  the  sky  so  clear  ?     Impossible  ! '  cried  Faith. 

'  You  know  nothing  of  the  tricks  of  the  mountain- 
sprites,'  said  the  Bohemian.  '  One  moment  we  have 
sunshine,  the  next  thunder  and  lightning.  That  is 
the  way  with  them.  You  will  do  well  to  return  to  the 
valley  betimes.' 

He  passed  on  and  was  soon  out  of  sight. 

'  We  had  better  follow  him,'  said  Oswald. 

'  Yet  but  one  quarter  of  an  hour,'  begged  Faith  ; 
'  and  then  we  will  return  as  fast  as  we  can.' ' 


128  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  Who  can  deny  you  any  thing,'  said  the  youth  ; 
*  even  when  you  solicit  what  should  not  be  granted  ?  ' 

They  still  continued  to  advance,  until  they  came 
where  the  rocks  were  less  compactly  clustered,  and 
glimpses  of  the  plain,  presenting  brilliant  winter  land- 
scapes, were  occasionally  obtained  through  the  open- 
ings. 

'  Ah,  how  much  pleasanter  it  is  here  than  in  the 
pent  up  valley  ! '  cried  Faith,  clapping  her  hands  with 
childish  joy. 

Oswald  suddenly  started  and  listened.  '  Did  you 
hear  nothing  ? '  he  asked  the  maiden.  ^  It  sounded  like 
a  distant  trumpet.' 

*  Yes,'  said  Faith,  after  listening  a  moment ;  '  it 
must  be  the  blast  of  a  trumpet.' 

'  It  may  be  our  pursuers  ! '  cried  Oswald.  '  Let  us 
hasten  back  to  our  asylum.' 

He  now  turned  quickly  about  with  Faith,  and, 
rather  bearing  than  leading  her,  hastened  to  retrace 
the  path  hv  which  they  had  come.  Before  proceeding 
far  on  'heir  return,  they  were  met  by  a  colder  and 
sharpen  \  I'ld,  and  the  snow  which  it  blew  from  the  sum- 
mits of  :  ■  f  rocks  involved  them  in  a  white  fleecy  cloud. 

'  ALi  .  (Oswald,  I  can  no  longer  see,'  complained 
Faith. 

*  It  i:  ')!!?  little  better  with  me,'  answered  Oswald, 
gropin:  r  the  path  to  the  right,  which  he  supposed 
to  be  tlie  one  he  should  take.  Still  sharper  blew 
the  wind  as  the  storm  rapidly  approached,  and  the 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  129 

dark  gray  mountain-clouds  lashed  the  immense  rocks 
with  their  mighty  wings,  sending  down  their  accumu- 
lated snows  upon  the  heads  of  the  poor  wanderers. 
Still  more  wildly  rushed  and  whistled  and  howled 
the  winds  among  the  rocks,  in  strangeh^  horrihle  tones, 
and  in  the  midst  of  the  uproar  they  distinguished  the 
sounds  of  distant  rolling  thunder  and  the  flashes  of 
lightning  in  the  low  dark  clouds.  In  this  struggle  of 
the  elements,  all  the  summits  and  other  landmarks 
which  Oswald  had  noted  to  guide  his  returning  steps, 
had  completely  disappeared,  and  at  length  he  impa- 
tiently cried  :  '  I  have  lost  the  way.  Why  was  I  weak 
enough  to  yield  to  the  washes  of  a  child  ! ' 

'  Chide  not,  dear  Oswald,'  entreated  Faith,  submis- 
sively. '  I  will  willingly  endure  every  hardship  w^hich 
is  suffered  with  you.' 

'  That  is  what  distresses  me,'  said  Oswald.  '  Were 
I  alone,  I  should  enjoy  this  storm  instead  of  trembling 
at  it ;  for  nature  appears  to  me  most  beautiful  in  anger, 
and  I  have  already  been  compelled  to  expose  this 
brow  to  many  a  wild  tempest.  My  anxiety  for  you 
troubles  me.  If  your  health  should  be  injured  by  this 
exposure  I  should  be  inconsolable,  and  have  only  my 
own  thoughtlessness  to  blame  for  it.' 

A  brighter  flash  and  louder  report  now  put  it  beyond 
doubt  that  a  terrible  storm  was  at  hand.  The  echoes 
thundered  among  the  rocks,  now  nearer  and  now 
farther  off,  until  they  finally  died  away  in  indistinct 
murmurs. 

'  A  thunderstorm  in  winter  ! '  cried  the  trembling 
Faith.     '  That  is  doubly  horrible.' 


130  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

*  Who  knows  that  this  tempest  may  not  bring  a 
blessing  ;  and  certainly  it  cannot  do  much  harm  here 
among  these  old  rocks,'  said  Oswald  by  way  of  conso- 
ling her,  still  continuing  to  advance  at  random. 

*  Thank  heaven,  I  hear  human  voices  ! '  exultingly 
shouted  Faith  :  and  like  a  doe  she  skipped  towards  an 
eminence  with  such  speed  that  Oswald  could  scarcely 
follow  her. 

A  multitude  of  people  were  approaching,  sure 
enough.  It  was  composed  of  colonel  Goes,  the  detes- 
table Hurka,  and  a  troop  of  the  Lichtenstein  dragoons, 
who  immediately  aimed  their  arms  at  the  fugitives. 

*  Stand  !'  cried  Goes,  amid  the  thunder  of  the  storm, 
to  his  son,  whom  he  instantly  recognised.  '  Stand,  or 
I  command  the  troops  to  fire.' 

'  Father,  do  no  violence  ! '  cried  the  despairing 
youth,  throwing  himself  before  the  maiden,  who  had 
sunk  upon  her  knees  ;  '  God  judges  righteously  and 
protects  the  innocent  !  Hear  how  he  warns  you  with 
the  voice  of  his  thunder  ! ' 

The  captain  gave  a  loud  and  scornful  laugh. 

'  Seize  the  rebel  and  his  heretic  bride,'  shrieked  the 
angry  colonel.  The  captain,  nothing  loth,  motioning 
his  dragoons  to  follow  him  and  confiding  in  his  superior 
force,  hastened  forward,  swinging  his  sword  high 
above  his  head.  The  colonel  accompanied  him  and 
the  dragoons  followed. 

'  Save  me,  my  God,  from  the  crime  of  parricide  I' 
cried  Oswald,  advancing  to  meet  his  opponents. 

At  that  moment  came  a  blinding  flash  of  lightning, 
accompanied  by  a  deafening  clap  of  thunder,  and  with 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  131 

it  rushed  down  from  the  highest  summit  a  monstrous 
mass  of  stone  which  caused  the  earth  to  tremble  as  if 
there  had  been  an  earthquake  ;  a  short,  sharp  cry  was 
heard,  and  the  pursuers  and  pursued  were  prostrated 
upon  their  faces. 


CHAPTER    XX. 


The  first  glance  of  Oswald's  opening  eyes,  when 
consciousness  returned,  was  directed  in  search  of 
poor  Faith.  She  lay  near  him  in  a  deep  swoon. 
Flying  to  her  aid,  he  applied  snow  to  her  temples 
and  warmed  her  lips  with  his  kisses.  At  length  she 
opened  her  eyes. 

'  You  are  yet  alive,  my  Oswald  ! '  cried  she,  with 
pious  ecstasy,  folding  her  hands  as  if  giving  thanks. 
'  The  Lord  has  passed  over  us  in  the  tempest ;  but 
he  has  remembered  us  in  mercy ! ' 

'  Pious  maiden,'  said  Goes,  who  stood  behind  them, 
leaning  like  a  dying  man  upon  a  dragoon.  '  Pious 
maiden,  so  mayest  thou  speak,  out  of  the  fulness  of 
thy  pure  heart,  —  but  the  sinner  must  smite  upon  his 
breast  and  cry,  The  Lord  is  just,  and  in  his  wrath 
has  executed  a  righteous  judgment !  Yet  I  may  also 
give  thanks  for  his  mercy ;  for  he  has  only  punished 
the  incorrigibly  wicked,  w^arning  the  deluded  with 
the  voice  of  his  thunder,  and  leaving  him  yet  a  space 
for  repentance  and  amendment.  Forgive  me,  my 
son.     I  had  unlearned  to   be  a  man  and  a  father; 


THE      LICHTENSTEINS.  133 

but  will  again  become  one,  even  at  this  late  hour  of 
my  life.' 

'  Your  goodness  restores  me  to  new  life,  my  father,' 
said  Oswald,  pressing  the  paternal  hand  to  his  lips. 
His  thoughts  then  instantly  recurred  to  the  monster 
who  had  allured  his  father  there  and  stimulated  him 
to  the  commission  of  crime ;  and,  catching  up  his 
sword  from  the  ground,  his  death-flashing  glance 
sought  the  captain. 

'  He  whom  you  seek  is  not  far  off,'  said  Goes, 
speaking  low,  so  as  not  to  attract  the  maiden's  atten- 
tion, lest  she  should  be  too  much  shocked.  With  a 
trembling  hand  he  directed  his  son  to  the  enormous 
rock  which,  still  smoking  with  the  fire  of  heaven, 
lay  in  the  path.  The  youth  shuddered  as  he  turned 
his  head  and  beheld  a  naked  sword  projecting  from 
under  the  mass,  in  the  grasp  of  a  stiffened  hand. 
The  captain's  plumed  hat  lay  near,  and  the  surround- 
ing snow  was  reddened  by  a  small  rivulet  of  blood 
which  came  trickling  forth. 

'Behold  the  judgment  of  God,  and  implore  his 
mercy  for  your  repentant  father,'  said  Goes,  sinking 
into  the  arms  of  his  son. 


12 


CHAPTER    XXI. 


Three  months  later,  Frau  Eosen  was  sitting  in  the 
little  cottage  of  the  weaver's  widow  in  Friedland, 
with  an  expression  of  soft  serenity  upon  her  still  pale 
countenance.  On  either  side  of  her  sat  Oswald  and 
Faith,  each  holding  one  of  her  hands,  and  all  rejoic- 
ing at  her  convalescence.  The  rattle  of  an  approach- 
ing carriage  was  heard  without,  and  directly  four 
black  horses,  attached  to  the  carriage  of  colonel 
Goes,  trotted  up  to  the  cottage  door.  The  merchant 
Fessel,  yet  thin  and  pale  from  his  past  illness  and 
sorrows,  descended  from  the  carriage  and  entered 
the  room. 

As  calamities  suffered  in  common,  only  strengthen 
the  bands  by  which  good  hearts  are  united,  so  the 
meeting  of  these  friends  evinced  increased  tender- 
ness and  affection;  while  the  memory  of  the  dear 
departed,  which  it  called  up,  received  the  tribute  of 
many  tears. 

'  How  stand  matters  in  our  good  city  of  Schweid- 
nitz  V  at  length  asked  the  matron. 

'  Badlv  enough,  as  yet,'    answered   Fessel  ;    '  but 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS,  135 

not  near  so  bad  as  when  you  left  us.  There  seems, 
mdeed,  no  prospect  of  an  end  to  our  oppressions. 
The  Jesuits  are  constantly  multiplying  their  encroach- 
ments and  assumptions,  and  the  royal  judge  whom 
the  count  has  installed  there  commands  that  all  shall 
become  catholic  communicants,  and  prohibits  atten- 
dance upon  the  Lutheran  churches  out  of  town. 
These  commands  cannot  be  very  effectively  enforced, 
and  the  military  executions  have  been  discontinued 
ever  since  the  departure  of  the  tyrannical  Dohna. 
Many  of  the  troops  also  have  been  withdrawn,  and 
but  two  squadrons  now  remain  in  the  city.  I  must 
do,  the  colonel  the  justice  to  say,  moreover,  that  he 
has  done  every  thing  in  his  power  to  mitigate  our 
sufferings,  even  at  great  hazard  of  injuring  himself.' 

'  The  Lord  reward  him  for  it,'  said  Frau  Rosen, 
'  and  allow  it  to  balance  the  long  account  in  that 
book  w^here  his  sins  are  recorded.' 

'  I  am  here  as  his  messenger,'  continued  Fessel ; 
'  to  conduct  you  all  to  the  little  inn  near  the  rocks  of 
Aldersbach,  where  he  intends  to  hold  a  family  festival.' 

'  There  ? '  asked  Oswald  with  surprise.  '  That 
indicates  some  important,  and  certainly  some  joyful 
purpose.' 

'He  keeps  his  plans  and  objects  very  secret,'  said 
Fessel.  '  I  have  my  conjectures  ;  but  can  divulge 
nothing.  That  it  is  to  be  a  great  festival  I  know  by 
the  extent  of  the  preparations.  He  has  been  there 
with  a  stone-cutter  and  gardener  from   Schw^eidnitz, 


136  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

since  the  day  before  yesterday ;  and  he  wishes  you 
all  to  come  in  full  dress  to-day.' 

Fessel,  having  returned  to  his  carriage,  soon  came 
in  again  with  two  large  packages,  which  he  delivered 
to  the  lovers.  Faith  hastened  to  her  mother  with 
hers,  that  they  might  examine  and  comment  upon  its 
contents  together. 

Meanwhile,  Oswald  opened  his  package  and  found 
therein  a  splendid  Danish  officer's  uniform  with  all 
its  usual  appendages.  ^  The  time  for  these  gilded 
ornaments  has  long  since  passed  with  me,'  he  ob- 
served with  a  feeling  of  dissatisfaction  ;  '  and  I  do 
not  deem  it  proper  to  wear  the  costume  of  a  station 
which  I  intend  never  aofain  to  occupy.' 

'He  anticipated  the  objection,'  said  Fessel ;  'and 
requests  me  to  beg  of  you  to  wear  it  only  this  day, 
for  his  sake,  notwithstanding  your  own  disinclination.' 

'  Ah,  Oswald,  look  I '  exclaimed  the  happy  Faith, 
holding  out  her  present  for  his  examination.  '  See 
this  beautiful  white  silken  dress  and  this  splendid 
diamond  ornament  I ' 

'  It  is  very  beautiful,'  said  Oswald,  giving  it  a 
careless  glance  ;  '  but  is  there  no  myrtle- wreath  with 
the  dress  ? ' 

'  I  have  already  sought  it  in  vain,'  answered  Faith, 
with  a  slight  blush. 

'  Alas  I'  sighed  OsAvald,  '  then  the  most  acceptable 
present  is  wanting.  ]\Iy  dearest  hope  for  to-day  is 
at  once  annihilated.' 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  137 

'  Murmur  not  against  your  father,  my  dear  brother- 
in-law,'  begged  Fessel.  '  I  will  be  answ^erable  that 
he  means  well  with  you  and  our  little  Faith.' 

'  It  is  well  ! '  said  Oswald,  taking  his  package 
under  his  arm  and  retiring  to  dress  ;  '  but  he  ought 
not  to  have  forgotten  the  myrtle-wreath ! ' 


12^ 


CHAPTER    XXII. 


Panting  and  foaming,  the  four  black  steeds  drew  up 
before  the  little  inn  at  Aldersbach,  which  was  now 
gaily  decorated  with  evergreens.  The  happy  old 
colonel  stood  in  the  door,  ready  to  receive  them. 
Oswald  assisted  Faith,  and  Fessel  his  mother-in-law, 
to  alight.  Goes  advanced  to  the  latter  and  clasped 
her  hand.  '  You  have  lost  much  through  us,'  he 
sorrowfully  said,  '  can  you  forgive  ? ' 

'  Should  I  else  deserve  to  be  called  a  christian  ? ' 
answered  the  matron. 

'  May  God  reward  your  kindness  ! '  said  the  colonel, 
leading  her  into  the  house,  in  the  largest  room  of 
which  several  protestant  officers  of  the  imperial  army 
were  assembled.  Oswald  then  entered  with  Faith, 
in  all  her  youthful  beauty,  which  was  much  height- 
ened by  her  rich  dress. 

'  Ha,  what  a  charming  maiden  ! '  exclaimed  Goes. 
'  Yes,  my  son,  her  appearance  would  excuse  thy 
choice,  if  indeed  it  needed  an  excuse.' 

'  I  cannot  share  any  part  of  the  satisfaction  which 
seems    to    be    so  c^eneral,'    said  Oswald  with  forced 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  139 

gaiety,  '  as  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  feel  comfortable 
in  a  dress  which  is  unsuited  to  my  station  and 
calling.' 

'  It  is  exactly  suited  to  your  station,'  said  the 
colonel  with  solemnity,  handing  a  folded  paper  to 
him.  It  was  a  major's  commission  in  the  Danish 
service. 

'  This  is  wholly  contrary  to  my  wish,'  exclaimed 
Oswald  with  surprise,  as  he  perceived  the  nature  of 
the  document.     '  I  have  laid  down  the  sword  forever  ! ' 

*  That  cannot  be  done  with  safety  at  present  in  any 
part  of  Europe,  my  dear  Oswald,'  said  Goes.  *  In 
these  rough  times  a  man  must  bear  the  sword,  if  he 
would  not  be  compelled  to  bow  his  neck  under  it ;  nor 
is  there  any  prospect  that  it  will  soon  be  otherwise. 
You  have  repeatedly  shown,  that  you  will  never  be 
able  to  reconcile  yourself  to  the  humble  and  submis- 
sive condition  of  a  burgher.  Whenever  occasion  has 
offered,  you  have  unhesitatingly  drawn  that  sword 
with  which  you  have  professedly  wished  to  have 
nothing  more  to  do.  I  most  heartily  rejoice  at  it,  be- 
cause of  the  evidence  it  affords  that  my  blood  flows 
in  your  veins  ;  but  at  the  same  time  it  proves  your 
unfitness  for  the  counter  and  yard-stick.  You  must 
again  serve,  —  it  is  required  both  for  your  honor  and 
mine.  To  serve  the  emperor  would  be  against  your 
conscience.  I  have  therefore  sought  out  a  service 
which,  as  matters  now  stand,  cannot  be  objectionable 
to  either  of  us.  A  permanent  peace  has  been  conclu- 
ded between  the  emperor  and  the  king  of  Denmark. 


140  TALES     FROM     THEGERMAN. 

Your  new  situation  will  lead  you  from  Silesia  to  the 
land  where  your  own  faith,  which  is  persecuted  here, 
is  openly  and  triumphantly  professed.  You  will  be 
spared  the  grief  of  being  compelled  to  witness  innu- 
merable evils  which  you  can  have  no  power  to  reme- 
dy. All  these  considerations  were  well  weighed  by 
me  before  I  applied  in  your  name  for  the  honorable 
appointment  which  you  surely  will  not  now  reject.' 

'  You  are  right,'  cried  Oswald.  '  You  see  farther 
than  I  do,  and  I  gratefully  receive  the  commission 
from  your  paternal  hands.' 

'  My  application  alone  would  not  have  met  with 
such  ready  success,'  continued  Goes.  '  For  that,  you 
have  to  thank  one  whose  friendship  and  patronage 
you  literally  conquered  at  Dessau,  —  the  duke  of 
Friedland.  He  wrote  himself  to  Copenhagen  in  your 
behalf;  and  the  mediator  who  brought  about  the 
treaty  of  Lubeck  could  hardly  be  refused  so  small  a 
request  by  the  king  of  Denmark.' 

'Honor  to  the  lion!'  jocosely  exclaimed  Frau 
Rosen.  '  Those  large  wild  beasts  generally  have 
some  generosity  about  them.' 

'  All  is  in  readiness  ! '  said  the  old  Hussite  host, 
entering  the  room  and  throwing  open  the  doors. 

*  Give  your  arm  to  Faith,  my  son,  and  follow  this 
man,'  said  Goes.  The  lovers  looked  at  each  other 
with  some  surprise,  and  obeyed  the  command.  After 
them  came  the  matron,  supported  by  Goes  and  Fessel. 
The  officers  followed. 

The  procession  entered  directly  among  the  rocks, 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  141 

and  at  length,  magnificently  gilded  by  the  evening 
sun,  the  eventful  mass  of  stone  which  had  been  de- 
tached and  overthrown  by  the  lightning,  shone  upon 
them  with  a  far  different  and  more  friendly  aspect 
than  when  it  had  last  met  their  view.  It  was  hung 
around  with  evergreens  and  adorned  with  flowery 
garlands  ;  and  upon  the  most  conspicuous  part  of  it 
a  medallion  had  been  cut  out,  with  these  words  en- 
graved upon  it  :  '  The  lightning  of  heaven  here  'pun- 
ished and  warned'  Underneath  was  cut  out  the  day 
of  the  month  and  the  year.  In  front  of  the  huge  mass 
stood  an  altar,  built  of  the  fragments  which  were 
shivered  from  it  when  it  fell.  The  old  pastor  of 
Huss's  Rest  waited  at  the  altar,  in  his  clerical  robes 
and  with  opened  book.  On  each  side  of  him  stood 
Fessel's  children,  holding  wreaths  of  flowers. 

'  What  can  all  this  mean  ? '  whispered  Faith  to 
Oswald,  in  sweet  confusion,  while  the  colonel  placed 
the  missing  myrtle  wreath  upon  her  blond  locks. 

'  Unite  this  pair  in  marriage,  reverend  father,'  cried 
the  colonel,  with  gushing  tears,  leading  the  lovers  to 
the  altar. 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 


Mild  toleration  has  spread  its  dove-like  wings  over 
the  states  of  Austria  for  many  long  years  since  the 
period  above  referred  to,  —  the  colony  of  Huss's  Rest 
is  no  longer  to  be  found  among  the  rocks  of  Alders- 
bach,  —  and  the  silver  rivulet  again  meanders  in  silent 
solitude  through  the  concealed  valley.  The  huge 
rock  hurled  down  by  the  lightning's  stroke  yet  lies,  a 
lasting  monument,  in  the  middle  of  the  road,  and  the 
medallion  may  yet  be  recognised.  Time  has  effaced 
the  inscription,  and  the  guide  who  now  conducts  the 
curious  visitor  knows  only  a  legend  of  an  English 
gentleman,  who  atoned  for  his  desire  to  view  a  thunder- 
storm among  the  rocks  by  being  very  nearly  crushed 
by  the  fall  of  this  rifted  fragment.  In  memory  of  his 
imminent  danger,  and  in  gratitude  for  his  almost 
miraculous  preservation,  he  is  said  to  have  caused  the 
medallion  to  be  carved  in  the  rock.  Of  the  punish- 
ment of  the  reprobate  captain  and  the  deep  repentance 
of  the  colonel  of  the  converters,  they  have  long  since 
forgotten  the  tradition ;  and  fancy  may  therefore  be 
allowed  to  erect  her  light  and  airy  castle  upon  the 


THE     LICHTENSTEINS.  143 

granite  foundation  of  history ;  to  picture  forth  to  those 
now  living  the  savage  contests  for  opinion,  of  former 
'times,  —  and  to  warn  them  against  the  evils  of  an 
exclusive  and  intolerant  spirit,  into  which  we  are  in 
constant  danger  of  relapsing. 


THE   SORCERESS. 


BY  C.  F.   VAN  DER  VELDE. 


13 


CHAPTER    I. 


The  first  rays  of  the  morning  sun  were  brilliantly 
reflected  by  the  polished  arms  of  Ryno  and  Idallan, 
as  they  rode  gaily  forth  in  search  of  adventures.  It 
was  not  their  first  similar  excursion.  As  usual  with 
errant  knights,  they  had  struck  down  many  a  dragon, 
vanquished  many  a  giant,  and  rescued  many  a  damsel 
from  the  clutches  of  wicked  magicians.  Delicate  arms 
had  clasped  their  knees  in  gratitude,  tender  bosoms 
had  feverishly  beat  against  their  iron  breastplates, 
ruby  lips  had  pledged  them  in  golden  cups  of  the 
juice  of  the  Syracusan  grape,  and  yet  their  hearts 
remained  cold  and  impenetrable  as  the  pure  steel  of 
their  armor.  The  delightful  consciousness  of  freedom, 
strength,  and  youthful  spirits,  spoke  in  their  every 
movement.  Stately  and  beautiful  they  passed  on  their 
way,  their  sharp  lances  resting  quietly  upon  their 
right  stirrups,  their  swords  peacefully  clinking  in  their 
scabbards,  and  their  hands  carelessly  holding  their 
highly  ornamented  bridle  reins. 

Suddenly  they  heard  female  voices  uttering  dis- 
tressing cries  for  help.  The  steeds  snorted  and  pricked 


148  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

up  their  ears  ;  the  knights  involuntarily  drew  a  tighter 
rein,  seized  their  lances,  and  applied  the  spur ;  and 
thus  they  darted  forward  with  perfect  indifference 
whether  this  new  adventure  should  be  crowned  with 
wounds  or  kisses,  blows  or  treasures,  a  martyr's 
chains,  or  an  hymeneal  altar. 

Their  panting  chargers  soon  bore  them  to  a  forest 
filled  with  oaks  of  a  thousand  years,  whence  had 
proceeded  those  outcries,  which  were  now  subsiding 
to  sobs  so  low  as  to  be  almost  lost  to  the  ear.  At 
length  a  green  meadow  opened  upon  them  through 
the  wood,  and  there,  enclosed  by  a  circle  of  Moors, 
stood  two  powerless  maidens  of  angelic  beauty,  bound 
to  a  tree.  An  old,  meagre,  yellow  monster,  in  the 
rich  dress  of  the  east,  appeared  to  be  feasting  himself 
with  gazing  upon  their  charms.  He  had  just  drawn 
a  dagger  from  his  girdle  and  was  about  to  approach 
one  of  the  maidens,  when  Eyno  and  Idallan  burst  upon 
them  from  the  thicket  with  the  suddenness  of  the 
lightning's  flash,  and  the  fury  of  the  storm.  Knight- 
errant  like,  without  asking  any  questions,  they  nailed 
six  of  the  Moors  to  the  nearest  oaks  with  their  lances, 
and  then,  (as  if  Vulcan  had  sent  his  cyclops  to  the 
work,)  their  blows  fell  like  hail  upon  the  astonished 
Moors. 

Courage,  strength,  knowledge  of  the  use  of  arms, 
and  the  consciousness  of  a  good  cause,  enabled  them 
quickly  to  overpower  their  venal  opponents.  Those, 
who  were  not  killed  by  the  sword  or  trampled  down 
by  the   horses,  threw  away  their  weapons   and   fled. 


THE      SORCERESS.  149 

Only  the  horrid  looking  yellow  old  man  kept  his 
ground,  and  he  was  busily  employed  in  drawing 
strange  characters  in  the  air  with  a  black  wand. 
'  You  lose  your  pains  ! '  cried  Idallan,  laughing.  *  You 
must  know,  sir  wizard,  that  our  arms,  tempered  by 
the  fairy  Diamanta,  fear  no  magic  charm,  and  that 
only  superior  natural  power  can  prevail  against  them.' 

'  If  you  wish  a  proof  of  it,'  interposed  Ryno, 
springing  from  his  horse,  *  I  am  here  ready  for  the 
trial,  and  you  may  call  back  your  flying  Moors  to 
arm  you.' 

Without  answer,  but  with  a  glance  that  disclosed 
the  hell  within,  the  sorcerer  strode  with  uplifted 
dagger,  towards  his  poor  bound  victim  ;  but  Ryno's 
ready  weapon  interrupted  him  in  full  career.  With 
rifted  head  the  fiend  sank  to  the  earth,  which  imme- 
diately opened  and  swallowed  his  hideous  form ; 
while  a  blue  smoke,  accompanied  by  fearful  sounds, 
gnashing  of  the  teeth  and  scornful  laughter,  issued 
from  the  spot  where  he  had  disappeared. 

The  knights  hastened  to  the  damsels,  and  by  the 
aid  of  their  bloody  swords  quickly  severed  the  bands 
by  which  they  were  confined.  Water  brought  from 
a  neighboring  spring  soon  restored  the  fainting  suf- 
ferers to  consciousness,  and  with  the  first  glances  of 
their  large  blue  eyes  arose  a  new  sun  upon  their 
deliverers.  The  charming  girls  cast  a  shuddering 
glance  upon  the  field  of  slaughter,  kneeled  before 
the  knights  with  their  arms  folded  in  thanksgiving, 
timidly  murmured  to  them  some  words  in  an  unknown 
13* 


150  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

language,  and,  after  a  short  internal  struggle,  rushed 
into  their  preservers'  arms.  An  ardent  kiss  burned 
upon  the  lips  of  each  of  the  enraptured  heroes ; 
but  before  they  could  recover  from  their  delightful 
surprise,  the  maidens  had  escaped  from  their  em- 
braces. One  bound  of  their  little  feet  lifted  them 
into  the  air,  —  a  zephyr  expanded  their  dresses  into 
sails,  —  and  with  glances  of  ineffable  sweetness  they 
rose  high  over  the  gigantic  trees,  and  swept  beyond 
the  vision  of  their  astonished  beholders. 


CHAPTER    II. 


'  By  my  knightly  oath,  it  is  not  fair,'  said  Ryno, 
after  a  long  pause,  '  to  leave  us  standing  here  alone.' 

'  It  is  ungrateful,'  murmured  Idallan. 

Ryno.  —  Say  not  that ;  for  had  all  my  heart's  blood 
flowed  upon  this  spot,  the  kiss  impressed  upon  my 
lips  would  have  been  a  sufficient  reward. 

Idallan.  —  I  am  wounded  in  the  arm. 

Ryno.  —  And  I  in  the  heart,  which  is  far  more 
dangerous. 

Idallan.  —  What  is  now  to  be  done  ? 
"  Ryno.  —  Resume  our  travels.     The  heavenly  forms 
moved   towards  the  west,  and  happily  no   direction 
can  be  the  wrong  one  for  us. 

Idallan  sighed,  and  they  proceeded  towards  their 
horses. 

'  Hold  !  what  do  I  see  ? '  cried  Ryno. 

*  Where  ? '  asked  Idallan. 

'  A  white  veil,  the  earthly  covering  which  the 
fairies  left  behind  them  when  they  mounted  into 
the  air.' 

The  two  knights  rushed  towards  the  veil,  and  both 


152  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

caught  hold  of  it  at  the  same  moment.  *  It  belonged 
to  the  damsel  saved  by  me,  and  is  therefore  mine  I' 
exclaimed  Idallan. 

Ryno.  —  I  saw  it  first. 

Idallan.  —  My  blood  flowed  in  the  strife  by  which 
we  have  obtained  it  ! 

Ryno.  —  It  is  mine,  I  w^ill  not  yield  it  up. 

Idallan.  —  Nor  I,  but  with  my  life. 

Both  held  th^  veil  fast,  and  it  was  in  imminent 
danger  of  being  torn  in  pieces. 

*  Hold  ! '  said  Ryno.  '  Why  should  we  senselessly 
destroy  that  which,  uninjured,  would  make  one  of 
us  happy.  Let  us  calmly  and  peacefully  determine 
our  respective  claims  by  an  appeal  to  argument  and 
reason.' 

'  I  never  will  resign  my  claim,'  scornfully  ex- 
claimed Idallan.  '  If  you  persist  in  yours,  the  sword 
must  decide.' 

Ryno.  —  You  are  my  brother  in  arms,  and  wound- 
ed ;  I  will  not  fight  with  you  ! 

Idallan.  —  Has  the  struggle  with  the  Moors  already 
exhausted  your  stock  of  courage  ? 

Ryno.  —  Idallan  !    Even  this  shall  not  provoke  me  I 

Idallan  in  a  rage  seized  the  veil,  which  Ryno  reluc- 
tantly released,  to  save  it  from  destruction.  He  hung 
it  upon  a  high  branch,  and  placed  himself  before  it 
with  his  sword  drawn.  '  The  veil  is  mine,  if  you  are 
too  cowardly  to  contend  for  it.'  The  noble  Ryno  half 
dreAv  his  sword,  but,  recollecting  himself,  immediately 
returned  it  to  its  sheath,  and  was  about  to  mount  his 
horse. 


THE      SORCERESS.  153 

'  Do  you  slight  me  ? '  roared  Idallan,  running  after 
him  sword  in  hand.  Ryno  was  compelled  to  turn 
and  draw,  and  a  furious  battle  commenced  over  the 
dead  bodies  of  the  Moors.  The  attack  and  defence 
were  conducted  on  both  sides  with  equal  courage 
and  skill,  so  that  neither  obtained  any  advantage 
over  the  other.  Sparks  flew  at  every  encounter  of 
their  weapons,  the  frightened  birds  flew  screaming 
from  the  place,  and  the  timid  deer  fled  to  the  protec- 
tion of  the  remotest  thickets. 


CHAPTER    III. 


Under  a  natural  arch  of  primeval  granite,  in  the 
most  secluded  recess  of  a  wild  and  savage  mountain, 
was  situated  the  deeply  indented  cave  of  the  sorceress, 
Hiorba.  The  cavern  was  filled  with  sieves  and  caul- 
drons, mummies  and  bundles  of  herbs,  hieroglyphics 
and  mirrors,  crystal  globes  and  crocodiles,  in  mystical 
confusion.  Two  torches,  held  by  skeleton  hands, 
lighted  the  whole.  In  a  circle  of  strange  characters 
and  human  bones,  lay  the  aged  and  despairing  Hiorba, 
her  face  to  the  ground,  frantically  tearing  the  last 
remains  of  her  silver  hair  with  her  withered  hands. 
Two  large  black  cats  were  caressingly  and  soothingly 
purring  about  her.  Suddenly  she  appeared  to  be 
shaken  as  by  an  electric  shock.  She  arose  with 
flashing  eyes,  stretched  out  her  magic  wand  towards 
the  largest  of  the  mirrors,  and  murmured  some  words 
of  unknown  meaning.  Strange  confused  images 
appeared  upon  the  clear  crystal.  As  she  anxiously 
watched  the  figures  her  interest  seemed  to  increase 
every   moment,   and  every  moment  her  joy  became 


THE     SORCERESS.  155 

more  plainly  visible,  until  at  length  she  gave  a  cry  of 
ecstatic  delight  as  Aliande  and  Daura,  her  charming 
foster-daughters,  rushed  breathlessly  into  the  cave. 

'Here  we  are,  good  mother,'  cried  Daura,  embracing 
her  with  ardor. 

'  Escaped  from  death,  from  shame,  and  from  the 
terrible  Kasalkol ! '  cried  Aliande,  pressing  the  old 
woman's  hand  to  her  lips  with  filial  love.  '  Saved  by 
the  noblest,  bravest  and  handsomest  youths  .  .   .  .   ' 

*  Silence,  children  ! '  said  the  sorceress,  interrupting 
them.  '  My  true  mirror  has  already  told  me  all,  and 
more  perhaps  than  you  will  be  willing  to  confess.' 

Blushing  and  confused,  the  maidens  cast  their 
sparkling  eyes  upon  the  ground. 

'  Quickly,  ah  too  quickly,  has  love  for  your  deliverers 
found  its  way  to  your  young  hearts.  Faithfully  until 
now  have  I  guarded  you  against  this  dangerous  pas- 
sion ;  but  the  moment  in  w^hich  the  traitor  Rasalkol 
succeeded  in  abducting  you  from  this  protecting  cavern, 
my  power  over  you  ceased.  The  reprobate's  hellish 
plan  of  destroying  both  you  and  me  has  indeed  failed  ; 
but  you  may  yet  one  day  wish  that  you  had  bled  under 
his  dagger  ;  —  for  the  sorrows  of  unrequited  love  cut 
more  keenly  into  weak  woman's  heart  than  a  thousand 
daggers.' 

'  You  do  not  know  our  knights,'  interposed  Aliande 
in  a  scarcely  audible  murmur. 

'  I  know  them  to  be  men.  As  the  wolf  resembles 
the  hyena,  and  both  of  these  the  jackal,  so  also  do 


156  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

the  whole  profligate  sex  resemble  each  other,  —  differ- 
ing only  in  their  outward  appearance  and  capacity  for 
seizing  their  prey.  The  inexperienced  eyes  of  the 
harmless  doe  are  easily  fascinated  by  the  beautiful 
stripes  of  the  blood-thirsty  tiger  ! ' 

Tears  trickled  down  the  maidens'  cheeks,  at  this 
reproof. 

^  I  love  you  my  children,'  continued  Hiorba  in  a 
tenderer  tone.  *  You  are  the  grand-children  of  my 
good  niece,  whom  I  buried  on  my  hundredth  birth  day. 
Willingly  would  I  have  rendered  you  happy,  which 
you  can  only  be  in  an  unmarried  state  ;  but  you  are 
in  love,  and  all  my  w^arnings  are  spoken  to  the  winds. 
For  once,  however,  yield  to  a  mother's  anxiety :  Let 
me  prove  the  men  of  your  choice,' 

'  Has  not  their  battle  with  Rasalkol  and  his  Moors 
already  proved  them  sufficiently  ?  '  asked  Aliande. 

'  Their  knightly  courage,  —  but  not  their  hearts.' 

'  If  all  men  were  proved  in  advance,'  answered 
Daura,  with  a  faint  smile,  '  w^ho  would  come  unscathed 
from  the  furnace  ? ' 

'  Your  questions  contain  a  significant  denial  of  my 
request,'  answered  Hiorba.  *  Since  you  have  seen 
these  strangers  I  have  no  longer  any  influence  over 
your  hearts.     Consider  well  my  last  warning.' 

She  again  raised  her  wand  to  the  mirror  and  the  field 
of  battle  again  presented  itself.  Aliande  saw  the 
fluttering  veil,  and  the  furious  contention  of  the 
knights. 


THE    SORCERESS.  157 

*  For  God's  sake,  Hiorba,'  shrieked  the  maidens; 
'  help,  protect  save  ! ' 

'  See  you  those  rough  and  savage  men  ? '  said 
Hiorba  ;  *  They  do  not  know  which  has  the  best  right 
to  the  flimsy  web,  and  yet  each  knight  is  ready  to 
murder  his  brother-in-arms  for  its  possession.  You 
have  here  a  specimen  of  what  men  call  honor ;  and 
believe  me,  as  their  feet  now  recklessly  trample  upon 
the  delicate  wood-flower  in  their  deadly  struggle,  so 
will  the  tyranny  of  their  strength,  their  pride,  and 
their  sensuality,  trample  upon  all  your  tenderest  feelings 
and  finally  break  your  hearts.' 

*  Why  waste  so  many  words,'  complained  the 
maidens ;  '  save,  good  mother,  separate  the  frantic 
knights.' 

Shaking  her  head  in  token  of  disapprobation,  Hiorba 
reluctantly  took  her  Vv^and  and  opened  a  cage  which 
hung  from  the  arch  above  ;  a  bird  of  paradise  came 
chirping  thence,  and  perched  confidingly  upon  her 
shoulder. 

'  Go,  bring  me  the  veil,  Immo  I '  said  Hiorba ;  ^  and 
lead  hither  the  contending  knights,  also.' 

With  her  wand  she  softly  touched  the  bird  between 
its  wings,  and,  sweetly  warbling,  it  shot  off  like  an 
arrow  from  the  bow. 


14 


CHAPTER    IV. 


Ryno  and  Idallan  still  continued  their  insane  strug- 
gle. Their  helmets  and  scarfs  were  hacked  to  pieces, 
and  hung  in  fragments  about  their  shoulders.  The 
green  sward  was  already  dyed  crimson  from  their 
man}'  wounds,  when  the  thrilling  song  of  a  bird,  ful- 
ler and  sweeter  than  the  voluptuous  tones  of  the  night- 
ingale, filled  the  neighboring  air.  Through  the  sooth- 
ing influence  of  those  tones,  softer  feelings  were 
awakened  in  the  breasts  of  the  combatants.  An 
armistice  was  tacitly  concluded ;  and  with  suspended 
breath  they  listened  to  the  heavenly  music,  until  they 
at  length  perceived  a  beautiful  winged  songster  flut- 
tering about  the  branch  upon  which  the  veil  was 
hanging.  Softer  and  more  soul-thrilling  were  the 
seductive  tones  poured  from  its  little  throat,  and  Ryno 
hazarded  the  remark : 

'  How  foolish  to  be  hacking  each  other's  bones  for 
a  thing  of  so  little  consequence  I ' 

'  You  are  right ! '  said  Idallan,  putting  up  his  sword 
and  extending  his  hand  to  his  brother-in-arms.  A 
clear-ringing   song    of   triumph  resounded  from  the 


THE     SORCERESS.  159 

beak  of  the  wonderful  bird  as  their  hands  met  with 
the  grasp  of  reconciliation,  while  the  little  mediator 
seized  the  veil  in  its  purple  claws,  and  moved  slowly 
and  gracefully  toward  the  west,  still  continuing  its 
enticing  music.  '  It  calls  us,  brother,  shall  we  not 
follow  ? '  asked  Ryno. 

'  Yes,  let  us  pursue  the  veil ! '  cried  Idallan  :  '  this 
beauteous  banner  leads  us  to  more  delightful  con- 
quests !' 

They  resumed  their  saddles  and  hastened  to  follow 
their  mysterious  guide,  keeping  their  eyes  immovably 
fixed  upon  the  bright  and  waving  emblem,  which 
remained  constantly  visible  in  the  distance. 


CHAPTER    V. 


The  gray-haired  Hiorba  was  standing  with  her 
blooming  daughters  upon  the  ruins  of  an  ancient 
castle.  '  You  will  not  listen  to  my  warnings,'  she 
sadly  and  affectionately  remarked.  '  You  scorn  to 
consecrate  your  virgin  purity  to  the  gods,  as  I  have 
done,  and  receive  rare  knowledge,  great  power,  and 
almost  an  earthly  immortality,  in  return.  The  ardent 
wishes  of  youth  kindle  only  for  sensual  enjoyments, 
which  are  "ever  mingled  with  sorrow  and  of  short 
duration.  Your  desires  shall  be  gratified.  You  shall 
possess  whatever  can  bless  mortal  maidens :  wealth, 
splendor,  honors,  and  the  husbands  of  your  choice. 
The  rest  must  depend  upon  the  gods.' 

'  Why  so  earnest  and  solemn,  good  mother  ? '  said 
Aliande. 

'  Your  present  situation,  your  inconsiderate  choice 
for  a  whole  life,  the  reflection  that  your  days  will  be 
embittered  and  abridged  by  unappreciated  and  betrayed 
love,  all  contribute  to  make  me  sad.  An  equal  afflic- 
tion threatens  both  of  you,  for  it  is  not  in  my  power 
to  call  back  spirits  from  the  blooming  fields  of  Wal- 


THE     SORCERESS.  161 

halla  to  furnish  husbands  for  you.  It  is  done  !  I 
hear  the  distant  song  of  Immo,  and  hasten  to  prepare 
your  future  abodes.' 

Drawing  a  circle  which  included  herself  and  the 
maidens,  Hiorba  then  pronounced  the  mysterious 
words  of  conjuration.  Subterranean  thunder  was 
heard,  the  earth  heaved,  gleams  of  lightning  escaped 
through  the  cleft  rocks,  and  a  thick  smoke  almost' 
destroyed  the  power  of  respiration.  In  an  instant 
they  became  fearfully  conscious  that  they  were  no 
longer  alone  among  the  ruins.  Innumerable  demons 
surrounded  Hiorba's  magic  circle,  respectfully  awaiting 
her  commands. 

'  Spirits  of  the  Earth  ! '  cried  the  antiquated  virgin 
with  great  dignity,  '  my  foster-daughters,  Aliande 
and  Daura,  require  of  me  a  dowry.  Spirits  of  the 
east  and  west  !  I  command  you  to  convert  these  ruins 
into  a  splendid  castle  for  the  residence  of  Aliande. 
Spirits  of  the  north  and  south  !  Prepare  upon  yonder 
hill  a  similar  abode  for  my  Daura.  To  the  work  !  In 
nine  times  nine  twinklings  of  the  eye  must  all  be 
completed.' 

A  motion  of  her  wand,  and  half  of  the  demons 
disappeared.  The  other  half  cleaved  the  earth  for 
the  purpose  of  bringing  forth  the  granite,  marble, 
gold,  iron  and  other  materials  required  for  the  edifice. 
The  lightning  played  and  the  thunder  rolled  inces- 
santly, earthquakes  followed  each  other  in  quick  suc- 
cession, the  winds  howled,  and  the  subterranean 
waters  rushed  and  roared  most  fearfully.  All  nature 
14# 


162  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

appeared  to  lie  in  convulsions,  as  if  it  were  a  wicked 
invasion  of  her  rights  that  immortal  hands  should 
perform  the  work  of  mortals.  Powerless  and  insen- 
sible lay  Aliande  and  Daura  within  the  circle.  Terrible 
flames  burst  from  the  crevices  of  the  earth,  giving 
fearful  tokens  of  the  subterranean  labors  of  the  gnomes. 
Hiorba  stood  amid  the  general  uproar,  calmly  direct- 
ing the  raging  elements,  w^hich  never  for  a  moment 
disturbed  so  much  as  one  of  the  silver  hairs  of  her 
head. 


CHAPTER    VI. 


The  nine  times  nine  moments  had  expired  ;  the 
subterranean  flames  were  extinguished,  and  the  bright 
sun  shone  upon  a  magnificent  palace  encompassed  by 
high  walls,  while  its  rays  were  brilliantly  reflected  by 
the  metal  roof.  The  gilded  summits  of  its  seven 
towers  flashed  in  the  sunlight  like  the  seven  stars. 
Hiorba  viewed  the  labor  of  her  mysterious  agents  with 
satisfaction,  and  then  awoke  the  damsels  with  a  touch 
of  her  wand.  They  looked  around  with  astonishment 
upon  the  new  world  in  which  they  found  themselves. 
They  had  fallen  asleep  among  ruins,  upon  damp  moss 
overgrown  with  thorns  and  nettles,  and  now  awoke 
upon  soft  couches  of  velvet  and  gold,  in  the  balcony 
of  a  splendid  edifice.  The  building  was  of  granite, 
faced  with  marble,  uniting  the  strength  of  the  Gothic 
with  the  lightness  and  beauty  of  the  Grecian  style. 
Masterpieces  of  Grecian  sculpture  adorned  every  nook, 
step,  and  landing-place,  —  while  the  magnificent  pleas- 
ure-garden, with  all  its  fountains,  cascades,  lakes, 
temples,  shaded  walks,  islands  and  obelisks,  extended 
down  the  mountain  slope.  It  was  some  time  before 
they  were  convinced  that  it  was  not  all  a  dream. 


164  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

The  damsels  embraced  their  kind  foster-mother, 
while  tears  of  affection  and  gratitude  eloquently  spoke 
their  thanks.  'Enough,'  said  Hiorba,  withdrawing 
herself  from  their  embraces  ;  '  you  know  not,  as  yet, 
whether  I  deserve  your  thanks.  That  will  be  discov- 
ered hereafter,  when  the  roses  and  thorns  of  this  life 
shall  have  been  weighed  and  balanced  by  the  immortal 
gods.  I  must  be  brief,  for  already  do  I  hear  the 
approaching  steeds  of  Ryno  and  Idallan,  and  I  cannot 
look  upon  the  men  who  are  about  to  pluck,  and  perhaps 
to  crush  and  destroy,  the  two  sweetest  roses  of  my 
garden.  I  now  take  my  leave.  I  shall  always  act  a 
mother's  part  by  you, — but,  only  three  times  is  it 
allowed  me  to  become  visible  to  the  wives  of  Ryno 
and  Idallan  ;  at  the  moments  of  their  greatest  happi- 
ness, of  their  deepest  misery,  and  of  their  untimely 
deaths.  Preserve  the  same  purity  of  soul  which  I 
have  so  carefully  nurtured,  so  that  in  your  last  sad 
hour  I  may  kiss  the  dews  of  death  from  your  foreheads, 
and  conduct  your  liberated  spirits  to  the  elysian  fields 
of  Walhalla.' 

A  soft  and  heavenly  light  overspread  Hiorba's  coun- 
tenance, the  wrinkles  of  age  disappeared,  and  golden 
locks  surrounded  her  clear  forehead  like  a  halo. 
Azure  and  purple  wings  unfolded  from  her  shoulders, 
a  robe  of  light  enveloped  her  tall,  majestic  form,  and 
on  an  amber  cloud  she  floated  away  from  the  sisters, 
who  watched  her  disappearance  with  speechless  awe. 

The  tuneful  Immo  now  fluttered  through  the  castle 
gate  with  Aliande's  veil.     The  draw-bridge  fell,  and 


THE     SORCERESS.  165 

the  two  knights,  who  had  closely  followed  her,  leaped 
from  their  horses,  bounded  up  the  steps,  and  threw 
themselves  at  the  feet  of  the  maidens ;  whilst  Immo, 
perched  upon  the  highest  castle  tower,  sweetly  warbled 
forth  the  bridal  song. 


CHAPTER    VII. 


A  CRYSTAL  lamp,  suspended  from  the  arched  ceiling 
of  a  lofty  chamber,  shed  a  soft  moonlight  over  the 
silken  tapestry  of  the  bridal  bed  where  Eyno  was 
slumbering  upon  the  bosom  of  the  happy  Aliande. 
The  beauteous  bride  w^as  watching  the  peaceful 
slumber  of  her  beloved  partner  with  mingled  and 
undefinable  feelings  of  joy  and  sorrow,  when  she 
suddenly  heard  a  rustling  of  the  drapery,  and  imme- 
diately the  well  known  form  of  the  sorceress  stood 
before  her. 

'  You  are  happy,  Aliande  ?  '  she  asked. 

'Unspeakably!'  murmured  Aliande,  hiding  her 
blushing  cheek  in  the  bosom  of  her  faithful  foster- 
mother. 

'  Does  your  heart  suggest  no  wish  yet  ungratified  ? ' 

'  Only  one  ! '  timidly  answered  the  lovely  bride. 

'  Yet  one  ? '  rejoined  the  astonished  Hiorba.  '  Thus 
it  is  with  poor  mortals.  Upon  the  highest  pinnacle 
of  earthly  happiness  they  are  still  tormented  by  in- 
satiable aspirations.  Confide  your  secret  wish  to  me, 
my  daughter.' 


THE     SORCERESS.  167 

•  During  the  bridal  supper,  as  my  husband  was 
giving  a  rapid  sketch  of  his  knightly  adventures,  and 
painting  the  charms  of  the  various  damsels  he  had 
saved,  in  glowing  colors,  I  began  to  fear  that  I  — 
perhaps  soon — might  be  no  longer  the  only  oh ject 
of  his  love.' 

'•Already  jealous,  Aliande,  on  this  your  bridal 
night !  .  .  .  . ' 

'  Death,  rather  than  a  rival ! ' 

'  What  is  your  wish  of  me  ? '  asked  Hiorba. 

*  To  relieve  me  from  the  torture  of  uncertainty,  I 
desire  a  faithful  monitor  which  shall  inform  me 
when  Eyno  kneels  before  strange  altars,  that  I  may 
win  back  the  idol  of  my  heart  with  redoubled  love, 
or,  — learn  to  despise  and  scorn  the  inconstant.' 

'  An  unfriendly  star  rules  over  both  you  and  me,' 
said  Hiorba  in  a  desponding  tone.  '  I  am  convinced 
that  the  fulfilment  of  this  wish  will  make  you  most 
miserable,  and  yet  I  am  constrained  by  a  power 
greater  than  my  own  to  grant  it.' 

She  stamped  upon  the  floor,  and  immediately  two 
hideous  gnomes  appeared  with  a  time-piece  made  of 
the  most  costly  materials,  curiously  wrought  into  the 
form  of  a  temple  of  Venus. 

'  Take  this  production  of  magic  art,'  said  Hiorba, 
'  but  conceal  it  carefully  from  your  husband,  lest  in 
the  exasperation  of  conscious  guilt  he  should  destroy 
his  innocent  accuser.  This  clock  will  always  stand 
still,  this  bell  will  always  remain  silent,  and  this 
mirror  will  reflect  only  your  own  features,  so  long 


168  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

as  Ryno  remains  true  to  his  vows  ;  but  should  he 
ever  yield  to  the  common  vice  of  his  sex,  voluptuous 
melodies  will  issue  from  the  temple,  the  index  will 
indicate  the  time,  and  the  crystal  mirror  will  reflect 
the  image  of  the  favored  rival.' 

Aliande  was  about  to  express  her  gratitude,  but 
Hiorba  interrupted  her.  '  Thank  me  not,  —  for  with 
this  present  you  receive  enduring  sorrow  and  late  re- 
pentance. Soon  shall  I  greet  you  a  second  time,  but 
then  it  will  be  in  tears.'    She  spoke,  and  disappeared. 


CHAPTER    VIII. 


Transporting  herself  to  the  splendid  seven- 
towered  palace  of  the  other  sister,  the  sorceress 
entered  Daura's  chamber  and  awoke  her  from  her 
sweet  dreams  of  happiness  with  a  kiss.  Then  came 
the  same  questions,  and  the  same  protestations  oi 
unspeakable  happiness ;  yet  the  quiet  and  contented 
Daura,  also,  seemed  to  have  one  wish  concealed  in 
the  secret  recesses  of  her  bosom.  After  Hiorba's  long 
and  tender  entreaties  for  her  confidence,  she  finally 
said  :  *  through  repeated  and  pressing  inquiries  of  both 
Ryno  and  Idallan,  I  have  learned  of  the  exhibition  ot 
savage  rage  by  my  husband  in  the  bloody  contest  for 
the  lost  veil,  w^hich  R}T30  would  have  resigned  for 
the  sake  of  peace  and  friendship,  refusing  to  fight 
until  he  was  compelled  to  do  so  in  his  own  defence. 
I  fear  that  Idallan's  violence,  which  did  not  spare 
even  his  beloved  brother-in-arms,  will  also  rend  my 
heart  and  prepare  many  sad  days  and  tearful  nights 
for  me.  Oh  that  I  were  in  possession  of  a  charm 
which,  like  David's  harp,  would  allay  the  demon 
15 


170  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

of  anger !  What  tlien  could  be  wanting  to  my 
happiness  ? ' 

'  Immo  ! '  cried  Hiorba,  with  a  complacent  smile, 
opening  the  window.  In  came  the  delicate  bird, 
bearing  about  its  neck  a  radiant  diamond  chain  to 
which  a  small  ivory  flute  was  attached.  *  Take  this 
flute,  my  gentle  Daura,'  said  the  sorceress  ;  *  pass 
this  chain  about  your  neck,  and  let  your  faithful 
mother's  gift  remain  always  upon  your  bosom.  When 
Idallan's  wild  passions  begin  to  kindle,  when  his 
inconsiderate  bursts  of  anger  threaten  to  wound  the 
peace  of  my  gentle  daughter,  then  will  the  soothing 
tones  of  this  instrument  soften  his  rage  and  shed 
balm  upon  his  mind.' 

With  glad  surprise  Daura  extended  her  fair  hand 
for  the  talisman,  and  Hiorba  vanished. 


CHAPTER    IX. 


A  YEAR  had  passed  from  the  stream  of  time  into 
the  ocean  of  eternity  since  the  marriage  of  the  two 
sisters,  when  Hiorba  arose  out  of  the  rocks  in  the  oak 
forest  between  the  two  palaces.  The  proud  edifices 
yet  shone  in  all  their  original  splendor,  and  their 
majestic  walls  cast  long  shadows  over  the  vale  below; 
but  the  rock  upon  which  the  sorceress  was  standing 
had  changed  its  appearance.  Instead  of  being  bare, 
as  formerly,  it  was  now  shaded  by  tall  cedars,  lofty 
pines,  and  trembling  poplars,  and  encircled  with 
blooming  rose-hedges.  A  gilded  dome,  supported  by 
nine  Corinthian  pillars  of  alabaster,  adorned  the 
summit.  The  sorceress  inquisitively  examined  the 
temple,  and  with  surprise  and  pleasure  encountered 
her  own  statue  crowned  with  fresh  cypress  and  faded 
roses.  Tears  of  joyful  emotion  filled  Hiorba's  eyes, 
and  her  first  impulse  was  to  fly  immediately  to  her 
foster-daughters,  that  she  might,  invisible  to  them, 
impress  a  kiss  of  gratitude  upon  their  unconscious 
foreheads  ;  but  while  hesitating  which  of  the  happy 
brides  she  should  first  visit,  she  discerned  two  female 


172  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

forms  approaching  from  opposite  directions.  Discov- 
ering that  they  were  her  two  daughters,  she  wrapped 
herself  in  impenetrable  clouds,  that  she  might  be  a 
secret  witness  of  their  interview.  Their  appearance 
gave  her  no  pleasure.  Their  pale  cheeks  were  not 
lighted  by  the  sun  of  matrimonial  peace,  —  their 
lingering  steps  and  downcast  eyes  spoke  not  of  hap- 
piness, —  and  with  fear  and  sorrow  Hiorba  leaned 
against  the  altar  which  supported  her  statue.  At 
length  the  sisters  reached  the  place  and  rushed 
sobbing  into  each  other's  arms. 

'  My  sufferings  have  reached  their  utmost  limit  I ' 
exclaimed  Aliande. 

*  My  last  hope  is  annihilated  ! '  sighed  Daura. 

'  How  ineffably  miserable,'  said  Aliande,  '  has  our 
good  mother's  last  gift  made  me  !  With  almost 
every  change  of  the  moon  does  the  warning  voice 
of  my  magic  clock  rend  my  poor  betrayed  heart. 
My  fatal  mirror  is  constantly  reflecting  new  faces 
which  seldom  indicate  delicate  feminine  charms, 
never  mental  elevation.  All  my  tears  have  hitherto 
been  able  to  obtain  but  empty  promises  of  amend- 
ment from  the  faithless  one ;  and  my  just  reproaches 
only  exasperate  him.  To-day  I  see  the  hated  features 
of  my  last  waiting  maid,  the  light  and  impudent 
Rosa !  No,  I  will  bear  these  mortifications,  these 
repeated  insults,  no  longer  ! ' 

'  Ah,  how  much  more  miserable  am  I,  good  sister  ! ' 
sobbed  Daura.  '  It  was  but  the  intoxication  of  the 
senses  which  led  Idallan  to  my  arms ;  and  in  addition 


THE     SORCERESS.  173 

to  my  other  sorrows  I  now  feel  that  he  has  never, 
never  loved  me.  The  first  week  of  our  honey-moon 
had  scarcely  passed  when  he  found  himself  annoyed 
by  the  gentle  tones  of  my  flute,  which,  against  his 
will,  moderated  the  severity  of  his  fierce  disposition. 
In  a  confiding  moment,  after  he  had  successfully 
feigned  the  tenderest  afifection,  he  succeeded  in  draw- 
ing from  me  the  secret  of  the  maternal  gift.  With 
pleasant  jests  and  agreeable  trifling  he  unw^ound  the 
chain  from  my  neck ;  but  no  sooner  was  the  delicate 
instrument  in  his  hands,  than  his  brow  became 
clouded,  his  eyes  flashed  with  an  unnatural  fire,  and 
with  a  voice  of  thunder  he  denounced  me  as  a  vile 
sorceress  who  had  disgraced  his  knightly  bed.  Then 
with  furious  rage  he  dashed  the  flute  to  the  earth. 
Yet  once  more  were  heard  its  soft  and  tranquilizing 
tones.  Too  late  I  Idallan's  foot  was  already  raised, 
and  trampling  it  in  his  anger,  he  annihilated  its  sweet 
melody  forever.  What,  what  have  I  not  suffered 
since  that  unhappy  hour  !  .  .  .  . ' 

'  His  heart  is  depraved  —  forget  him  ! '  cried  Hior- 
ba,  stepping  visibly  between  the  sisters,  who  threw 
themselves  at  her  feet  in  glad  surprise. 

'  You  both  decided  too  rashly  ! '  continued  the 
weeping  foster-mother.  '  I  warned  you  in  vain.  In 
vain  did  I  entreat  permission  to  prove  your  lovers. 
The  evil  is  done, — and  requires  help,  not  reproaches. 
Your  case,  Aliande,  may  possibly  be  remedied  ;  yours, 
poor  Daura  —  never!  That  you  may  not  doubt  the 
15^ 


174  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

truth  of  my  words,  I  will  now  commence  the  trial  of 
both  husbands,  and  wo  to  him  who  shall  prove  base  ! ' 
She  concluded  with  a  voice  of  thunder,  and  disap- 
peared. The  unhappy  sisters  silently  embraced  each 
other,  and  then  slowly  returned  to  their  splendid 
prisons. 


-CHAPTER    X. 


Idallan  was  restlessly  tossing  upon  his  solitary 
bed  on  the  first  anniversary  of  his  marriage  night, 
whilst  the  repudiated  and  suffering  Daura  rested  in  a 
distant  chamber,  steeping  her  pillow  with  her  tears. 

Idallan's  heart  was  radically  bad,  as  might  be 
inferred  from  his  conduct  in  the  contest  for  the  veil. 
Savage  and  boisterous  passions  tarnished  the  splendor 
of  the  many  knightly  virtues  which  adorned  his  na- 
ture ;  and  his  real  character  appeared,  when  fortune, 
from  her  cornucopia,  suddenly  poured  the  full  stream 
of  love,  wealth  and  splendor  upon  him.  This  unex- 
pected and  overabundant  fulfilment  of  all  his  wildest 
hopes,  gave  the  finishing  touch  to  his  temperament. 
The  beauteous  woman,  whom  unreflecting  love  had 
conducted  to  his  arms,  he  valued  merely  as  the  slave 
of  his  rough  and  savage  will.  The  princely  treasures 
which  Hiorba's  generosity  had  heaped  in  his  coffers, 
had  only  excited  his  thirst  for  gold.  Hundreds  of 
families  who  had  sought  the  protection  of  his  castle, 
and  converted  the  surrounding  forest  into  fruitful 
fields,  were  happy  to  be  considered  his  subjects,  and 


176  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

thus  ministered  to  his  love  of  power  and  dominion. 
Schemes  of  ambition  disturbed  his  brain.  He  already 
in  imagination  saw  himself  a  prince,  perhaps  of  the 
whole  earth,  with  Ryno  his  vassal,  and  an  emperor's 
daughter  for  his  wife  ;  but  he  looked  upon  his  gentle 
and  faithful  Daura  as  the  greatest  obstacle  in  the 
way  of  his  success.  His  undisguised  scorn  and  con- 
tempt had  taught  her  to  weep  the  rash  choice  made 
during  the  brief  intoxication  of  love.  There  lay 
Idallan,  disturbed  by  dreams  which  naturally  took 
the  tone  of  his  daily  thoughts  and  the  color  of  the 
black  soul  whence  they  emanated.  A  glimmering 
light  suddenly  disturbed  his  uneasy  sleep.  Idallan 
leaped  wildly  from  his  bed,  and  before  him  stood  the 
monster  Easalkol,  surrounded  by  a  pale  sulphurous 
light,  and  horribly  disfigured  by  the  wound  w^hich 
Ryno  gave  him  in  the  oak  forest. 

'  Your  first  matrimonial  year  is  ended  I '  said  the 
fearful  phantom  in  a  sepulchral  tone,  *  and  thank  the 
Gods  !  you  are  unhappy.  Your  great  soul  must  feel 
the  pressure  of  the  chains  which  bind  you  forever  to 
a  lowly  bride.  Daura  suffices  not  for  a  man  of  noble 
ambition,  and  fate  has  destined  you  for  greater  things. 
Three  crowns  are  waiting  to  grace  your  brow,  when 
you  shall  have  rendered  yourself  worthy  of  them.' 

*  Messenger  of  Heaven  ! '  cried  Idallan  in  ecstasies. 

'  You  must  know,'  continued  the  spectre,  *  that 
since  the  day  when  you  and  Ryno  attacked  me  with 
such  inconsiderate  zeal,  I  have  been  condemned 
through  Hiorba's  cruelty,  to  wander  about  among  the 


THE     SORCERESS.  177 

subterranean  caves  of  this  mountain,  until  some  firm 
and  courageous  adventurer  deliver  me  from  the  power 
of  that  ugly  witch.  The  brave  man  who  shall  accom- 
plish this,  I  will  raise  to  the  first  throne  in  the  w^orld, 
give  him  the  daughter  of  the  most  powerful  ruler  for 
a  wife,  and  lay  my  inexhaustible  treasures  open  to 
him.' 

'  0  that  it  may  be  my  destiny  to  end  your  sorrows, 
wise  magician  ! '  said  Idallan,  sighing. 

'  You  alone  can  do  it,  brave  and  noble  knight,' 
answered  Rasalkol.  *  You  alone  have  the  means  in 
your  hands,  to  destroy  Hiorba,  deliver  me,  and  pro- 
cure unspeakable  happiness  for  yourself ;  but  he  who 
would  serve  Rasalkol  must  not  fear  to  shed  blood  I ' 

'  Give  me  but  wealth  and  power,  and  I  will  slay 
millions  for  you.' 

'  Take  this  withered  twig,'  said  the  phantom,  hand- 
ing him  a  wand.  '  Bear  it  to  the  chamber  w^here 
Daura  sleeps,  strike  your  dagger  to  her  heart  in  such 
a  manner  that  the  warm  blood  shall  sprinkle  the 
wand.  The  twig  will  acquire  new  life  ;  leaves,  buds 
and  flowers  will  instantly  put  forth,  it  will  take  root 
in  the  earth  and  bear  a  magnificent  fruit,  containing 
within  itself  the  seeds  of  death.  Divide  the  fruit  and 
send  it  in  the  name  of  Daura  to  Ryno  and  Aliande. 
As  soon  as  you  hear  that  they  are  dead,  bring  their 
bodies  here  and  lay  them  by  the  corpse  of  your  wife. 
Then  tear  out  their  hearts  and  burn  them  with  the 
wood  of  the  tree.     When  the  fire  shall  have  destroy- 


17S  TALES     FROM     THE     GER3IAN. 

ed  the  last  fibre,  Hiorbl  will  expire  with  dreadful 
torments.     I  shall  then  be  free  and  eternally  grateful.' 

'  I  am  yours  ! '  cried  Idallan,  cautiously  proceeding 
to  the  sleeping  chamber  of  the  unhappy  Daura,  w4th 
the  magic  wand  in  one  hand  and  his  dagger  in  the 
other.  A  mysterious  light  preceded  the  monster's 
steps.  Softly  opening  the  door,  the  angelic  form  lay 
before  him,  wTapped  in  peaceful  slumber.  The 
sweet  smile  of  innocence  played  upon  her  pale  lips. 
In  a  tone  of  melancholy  tenderness  which  would  have 
softened  a  tiger,  she  exclaimed  in  her  sleep,  '  lovest 
thou  me  no  longer,  Idallan  ? '  Yet  did  Idallan,  with 
a  malicious  scowl,  raise  his  arm  to  strike.  At  that 
instant  a  flash  of  lightning  hurled  the  dagger  from  his 
hand,  and,  instead  of  Rasalkol,  the  sorceress  Hiorba 
stood  before  him.  Her  piercing  glance  seemed 
almost  annihilating,  and  the  trembling  culprit  cast 
his  eyes  upon  the  earth,  as  if  imploring  it  to  open 
and  swallow  him. 

'  Daughter,  your  tender  husband  would  become 
your  murderer  ! '  said  Hiorba.  '  Thus  is  your  hasty 
choice  rewarded.'  Then  turning  to  Idallan :  '  the 
soul's  deepest  grief,  the  eternal  loss  of  her  heart's 
peace,  punishes  your  unhappy  wife  for  her  disregard 
of  the  maternal  advice  ;  but  what  can  be  a  sufficient 
punishment  for  you  ? ' 

Idallan  was  silent. 

'  Your  obdurate  heart  was  steeled  against  your 
wife,  your  faithful  brother-in-arms,  and  against  me, 


THE     SORCERESS.  179 

to  whose  kindness  you  were  indebted  for  the  founda- 
tion of  your  fortunes.  Ambition  and  shameful  avarice 
have  incited  you  to  the  blackest  crimes  !  Be  your 
punishment  proportioned  to  your  deeds  !  Therefore 
up,  demons  !  drag  this  condemned  one  to  Hecla's 
ever  flaming  gulf !  There  let  soul  and  body  suffer 
the  pain  of  the  dreadful  sulphur  bath,  until  the  mortal 
part  has  become  changed  to  gold.  For  a  thousand 
years  may  the  sordid  dross  remain,  until  by  millions 
of  accidents  it  becomes  transformed  into  a  circle,  and 
presses  a  crowned  and  joyless  head.  When  the 
crown  thus  formed  sparkles  with  gems,  awaken  in 
the  miserable  metal  its  gnawing  consciousness,  and, 
so  long  as  the  diadem  endures,  torture  the  soul  with 
the  perception  of  treasures  and  honors  never  to  be 
enjoyed  ! ' 

Having  spoken  thus,  Hiorba  waved  her  fearful 
w^and.  Tw^o  horrible  demons  appeared,  and,  wuth  a 
laugh,  w^hich  extorted  a  howl  of  anguish  from  the 
criminal,  forced  him  away. 


CHAPTER    XL 


The  inconstant  Ryno  had  one  day  been  belated  while 
engaged  in  the  chase,  which  had  become  his  favorite 
occupation  since  the  destruction  of  his  matrimonial 
peace.  He  had  pursued  a  wounded  doe  into  a  thicket 
out  of  which  he  was  unable  to  find  his  way.  The 
evening  air  blew  chill,  the  stars  shone  faintly  through 
the  nebulous  atmosphere,  and  the  moonless  night  was 
spreading  its  brown  mantle  over  the  earth.  A  deep 
silence  pervaded  the  forest,  broken  only  by  the  hoot- 
ings  of  the  owl,  and  the  bowlings  of  the  wolf.  Ryno 
dismounted  to  grope  for  the  devious  path.  He  wan- 
dered on  in  this  manner  for  the  space  of  a  quarter  of 
an  hour,  leading  his  horse  by  the  bridle-rein,  when 
suddenly  he  heard  a  flourish  of  drums  and  trumpets. 
Looking  up,  he  was  astonished  to  find  himself  at  no 
great  distance  from  a  magnificent  and  brilliantly  illu- 
minated castle.  Pleased  and  surprised,  for  in  all  his 
hunting  excursions  he  had  never  encountered  it  before, 
he  threw  himself  upon  his  horse  and  hastened  toward 
its  gates.  Trumpets  and  cornets  rang  a  merry  peal, 
the  drawbridge  descended,  the  gate  flew  open,  and  he 


THE      SORCERESS.  181 

soon  found  himself  in  the  inner  court,  surrounded  by 
a  band  of  richly  clad  and  golden  locked  pages.  They 
seized  his  bridle,  relieved  him  of  his  hunting-spear, 
bow  and  quiver, — one  of  them  respectfully  held  his 
stirrup,  while  another,  on  bended  knee,  bade  him  wel- 
come. 

'  Do  you  know  me  ? '  asked  Eyno  with  astonishment. 

'  Who  does  not  know  the  knightly  Ryno,  so  renowned 
for  his  personal  beauty,  and  indomitable  courage  ! ' 
humbly  answered  the  courtly  page.  '  Will  you  please 
to  follow  me  to  the  banqueting  hall  ?  You  are 
expected  there  with  affectionate  impatience  by  count 
Arno,  the  lord  of  the  castle,  and  Rosamunda  his 
charming  daughter.' 

Readily  yielding  to  this  welcome  invitation,  he  left 
his  horse  to  the  attendants,  and  followed  the  smooth- 
tongued flatterer  into  the  castle.  A  marble  vestibule, 
supported  by  a  colon ade  of  porphyry,  led  him  to  a 
broad  alabaster  stair-case,  which  was  surmounted  by 
a  gilded  and  richly  ornamented  balustrade.  Twelve 
servants  in  dresses  of  white  silk,  embroidered  with 
gold,  preceded  him  with  torches  to  light  his  steps. 
The  folding  doors  of  the  banqueting  room  flew  open. 
A  richly  covered  table,  glittering  with  golden  vessels 
and  surrounded  by  knights  and  ladies,  stood  in  the 
middle  of  the  hall,  and  a  splendid  chandelier  poured 
a  flood  of  light  from  above.  Uncertain  whether  he 
could  trust  his  senses,  Ryno  entered,  and  the  most 
delightful  music  from  the  balcony  of  the  hall  greeted 
16 


182  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

his  arrival.  The  knights  and  dames  rose  respectfully 
from  their  seats,  while  a  venerable  old  man  in  a 
knightly  costume,  with  a  delicate  female  whose  beauty 
was  too  dazzling  for  mortal  pen  to  describe,  advanced 
to  meet  him.  Touching  a  full  goblet  Avith  her  rosy 
lips,  the  female  thus  addressed  him  :  *  With  this  cup, 
Rosamunda,  the  daughter  of  the  house,  greets  the 
brave  Ryno,  in  the  name  of  the  lord  of  the  castle.' 

Already  intoxicated  by  what  he  saw,  R3'no  drained 
the  golden  cup,  impressed  a  glowing  kiss  upon  Rosa- 
munda's  delicate  fingers,  shook  the  proffered  hand  of 
the  old  knight,  who  led  him  to  the  upper  end  of  the 
table  and  seated  him  by  Rosamunda's  side.  Familiar 
conversation,  jests  and  laughter,  the  delightful  music, 
the  exhilarating  cup,  and,  more  than  all  these,  the 
proximity  of  the  blooming  maiden,  so  warmed  his 
blood  and  confused  his  mind,  that  the  question  never 
occurred  to  him  how  the  castle  came  to  be  there,  and 
its  inhabitants  to  know  him.  He  soon  became  engaged 
in  a  tender  conversation  with  Rosamunda,  and  but  too 
soon  did  they  comprehend  each  other's  glances.  The 
table  was  now  cleared,  and  the  dance  began.  Drunk 
with  pleasure,  Ryno  floated  through  the  assembly  with 
Rosamunda,  pressing  her  divine  form  to  his  beating 
heart,  and  amid  the  tumult  and  giddiness  of  the  waltz 
robbing  her  of  a  first  kiss,  which  was  warmly  returned. 
When  the  dance  was  ended,  the  company  sought  the 
refreshing  coolness  of  the  gardens.  The  lovers  soon 
found  themselves  in  a  solitary  grotto,  w^here,  sunk  in 


THE     SORCERESS.  183 

Eyno's  embrace,  Rosamunda  murmured  that  she 
would  be  his  forever,  and  that  she  doubted  not  of  her 
father's  consent  to  their  union. 

This  brought  the  inconstant  Ryno  to  his  senses. 
With  much  embarrassment  he  stammered : 

'  By  my  knightly  oath  and  duty,  I  love  you  beyond 
measure,  charming  girl,  but  I  cannot  become  your 
husband,  for — I  am  already  another's.' 

Tears  flowed  in  torrents  from  Rosamunda's  eyes, 
upon  this  declaration.  With  the  most  violent  sorrow 
she  reproached  him  for  having  stormed  her  heart  and 
destroyed  its  peace,  while  bound  by  earlier  ties.  She 
declared  that  she  could  not  live  without  him,  and  at 
last  implored  him  to  dissolve  his  first  marriage,  that 
he  might  become  her's  alone. 

Ryno  anxiously  endeavored  to  effect  a  retreat. 
*Aliande  is  my  lawful  wife,'  said  he,  in  a  tone  of 
decision  :  '  and  never,  never  will  I  repudiate  her.' 

New  reproaches,  new  tears,  and  new  solicitations 
followed.  Ardent  kisses  burned  upon  his  lips,  the 
softest  arms  twined  about  his  neck,  and  the  most 
voluptuous  bosom  beat  against  his  throbbing  heart. 
He  was  almost  subdued  ;  but  he  summoned  resolution 
and,  gently  repulsing  her,  said  :  '  Leave  me,  charming 
maiden, — my  integrity  must  soon  wither  under  your 
warm  embrace,  and  with  a  consciousness  of  my  base- 
ness, I  should  then  stand  before  you  as  a  faithless 
husband,  a  seducer  of  innocence,  and  a  dishonored 
knight.  Pardon  my  frankness.  Your  personal  charms 
and  yielding  disposition  captivate  my  senses,  which 


184  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

have  too  often  led  me  astray.  You  desire  marriage. 
That  must  not,  cannot  be  !  I  am  weak  and  giddy  ; 
but  no  severity  of  torment  shall  make  me  a  faithless 
villain  !  My  wife  is  good  ;  I  am  indebted  to  her  for 
all  my  earthly  prosperity  and  happiness.  She  has 
already  suffered  too  much  through  my  inconstancy, — 
and  rather  should  this  hand  wither  than  I  would  repu- 
diate Aliande  for  the  purpose  of  pledging  it  to  another  ; 
even  were  that  other  the  divine  Rosamunda.' 

Once  more  she  threw  her  arms  around  him  in  a 
last  effort  to  subdue  his  heart  ;  —  and  while  he  was  ' 
vainly  striving  to  escape  from  her  embrace,  the  grotto 
was  suddenly  illuminated  by  torches,  and  the  lord  of 
the  castle  stood  before  him  surrounded  by  knights  and 
servants,  and  foaming  with  rage. 

'  What  do  I  see  ! '  thundered  he  :  '  What  shame 
and  disgrace  are  visited  upon  my  gray  hairs  !  Rosa- 
munda in  this  solitary  grotto  under  the  mantle  of  night, 
in  the  arms  of  a  youthful  stranger  !  My  house  is  for- 
ever degraded  and  my  lineage  dishonored  ! ' 

'  Your  daughter  is  innocent  and  inviolate,'  answered 
Ryno  ;  '  and  her  lips  will  inform  you,  that  no  unworthy 
knight  now  stands  before  you.' 

'  You  are  in  error,  my  good  father,'  cried  Rosamun- 
da, embracing  his  knees  with  anguish ;  '  Ryno  is 
already  married  I ' 

'  Married  ! '  growled  the  old  man,  repulsing  his 
daughter  with  a  violence  that  caused  her  to  sink  to  the 
earth  in  a  swoon :  '  Married  !  Then  is  my  daughter's 
dishonor  beyond  remedy !    That  word  decides  your  fate, 


THE     SORCERESS.  185 

Ryno  !  and  you  shall  feel  how  the  abuser  of  the  laws  of 
hospitality  is  punished  in  Arno's  castle.  Seize  him, 
slaves  !  bind  the  wretch  in  fetters  !' 

Eyno's  hand  rushed  to  his  side,  but  having  thrown 
off  his  sword  for  the  dance,  he  found  no  weapon  there. 
He  struggled  manfully  against  the  rabble  host  however, 
until  he  was  finally  overcome,  cast  upon  the  ground, 
bound,  and  thrown  into  a  deep  dungeon  beneath  the 
castle. 

He  lay  upon  mouldering  straw,  confined  with 
clanking  chains  which  were  made  fast  to  the  wall.  A 
dim  lamp  lighted  the  place  clearly  enough  to  show  all 
its  horrors.  '  This  is  undeserved  ! '  cried  Ryno,  as  his 
eye  wandered  about  his  new  residence  and  finally 
rested  upon  the  heavy  iron  door.  '  How  many  times 
have  heavenly  enjoyments  rewarded  my  faithlessness 
to  my  Aliande  ;  and  now  that  I,  for  the  first  time, 
have  conducted  myself  as  became  a  virtuous  knight,  I 
sigh  in  these  chains.  If  dame  fortune  will  persist  in 
such  blindness  and  stupidity,  I  shall  take  care  how  I 
trust  her  hereafter  ! ' 

The  prisoner  had  lost  himself  in  sad  rumination,  the 
name  of  Aliande  now  and  then  escaping  from  his 
laboring  bosom  with  many  a  sigh.  At  length  a  lively 
contention  arose  outside  his  prison  door.  A  female 
voice  was  heard  in  earnest  solicitation,  and  a  manly 
one  opposing ;  finally  he  heard  the  clinking  of  gold, 
and  the  bolts  were  withdrawn. 

In  the  most  seductive  night  dress,  with  streaming 
hair,  tearful  eyes  and  pale  cheeks,  which  increased 
16^ 


186  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

her  beauty  a  thousand  fold,  Eosamunda  tottered  into 
the  prison.  With  a  trembling  and  mournful  voice  she 
said  to  him,  '  you  have  rejected  me  when  you  were 
yet  free  to  choose ;  but  I  come  not  now  to  speak  of 
myself,  of  my  love,  or  of  the  grief  inflicted  by  your 
rejection.  Your  welfare  alone  has  induced  me  to  seek 
you  once  more.  Your  life,  which  is  dearer  to  me  than 
my  own,  —  dearer  even  than  my  eternal  happiness,  — 
stands  upon  a  cast.' 

'  I  am  sorry  that  such  a  momentary  hallucination 
should  be  followed  by  such  serious  consequences,'  said 
Eyno. 

'  The  lioness  robbed  of  her  young,  is  a  lamb  in 
comparison  with  my  father  when  the  honor  of  his 
family  is  concerned.  You  have  only  the  cruel  choice 
between  my  hand  and  a  miserable  death.' 

'  That  is  a  hard  alternative  ! '  said  Ryno  Avith  a 
shudder. 

'  Reflect  that  you  are  forever  lost  to  Aliande.  If 
your  wife  loves  like  Rosamunda,  she  would  rather  yield 
you  to  another's  arms  than  deliver  you  up  to  a  horrible 
death.' 

'  No  artful  sophistry,  or  seductive  blandishments,  can 
change  my  resolution.  Your  father  must  cite  me 
before  a  court  of  honor,  if  he  be  an  honorable  knight. 
There  will  I  answer  his  charge,  and  give  him  all  the 
satisfaction  he  has  a  right  to  claim.  If  he  do  not  that, 
if  he  be  determined  to  destroy  a  chained  and  defence- 
less man  in  a  secret  dungeon,  he  is  a  despicable  as- 
sassin.' 


THE     SORCERESS.  187 

*  Ryno  ! '  cried  Rosamunda,  again  clasping  him 
with  wild  self-abandonment.  Gently  releasing  him- 
self from  her  embrace  he  bore  her  as  far  as  his 
chains  would  permit,  and  called  the  sentinels.  Upon 
their  entrance  he  committed  the  weeping  maiden  to 
their  care  and  commanded  them  to  conduct  her  to  her 
father. 

'  A  night  of  torment ! '  sighed  Ryno,  throwing  him- 
self back  upon  his  straw  :  '  but  I  have  one  consolation 
amid  all  my  sorrows.  By  my  death  I  shall  seal  that 
fidelity  which  I  have  heretofore  but  ill  kept,  and 
expiate  the  tears  which  my  inconstancy  has  cost 
Aliande,  —  thus  becoming  purified  and  prepared  for 
the  joys  of  Walhalla.  The  gods  bless  and  protect  my 
wife  and  children  ! ' 

Again  were  the  bolts  withdrawn,  and,  in  a  mourn- 
ing dress,  the  lord  of  the  castle  entered. 

'  You  may  thank  a  feeling  of  compassion  that  I 
condescend  once  more  to  parley  with  you  ! '  said  the 
old  man  with  a  painful  suppression  of  his  rage. 

^  I  desire  not  your  compassion.' 

'  You  have  violated  the  laws  of  hospitality  and 
seduced  my  only  child.' 

*  That  is  not  true  ! ' 

'  Knights  and  serfs  were  witnesses  of  my  shame, 
which  blood  alone  can  efface.  Were  your  previous 
marriage  dissolved,  however,  and  Rosamunda  your 
wife,  I  might,  perhaps,  forgive  you.' 

'  That  can  never  be.' 

*  Rosamunda's  person  is  fair,  and  yet  fairer  is  her 


188  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

guileless  heart.  She  is  of  the  noblest  lineage.  Im- 
mense treasures  lie  in  the  caves  of  this  castle,  and 
my  lands  extend  twenty  days'  journey  towards  the 
north.     Take  your  life  from  my  daughter's  hand  ! ' 

'  Place  everlasting  torments  in  one  scale,  and  an 
imperial  crown  in  the  other,  I  repudiate  my  wife  at 
no  price.' 

*  Will  Aliande  be  less  inconsolable  as  a  widow 
than  divorced  ? ' 

'  Waste  not  your  breath  ! ' 

'  By  the  eternal  gods  !  I  warn  you  for  the  last  time. 
These  prison  walls  see  you  Eosamunda's  husband, 
or  echo  the  death-sigh  forced  from  you  by  the  rack  ! ' 

Ryno  tore  one  of  the  golden  locks  from  his  head 
and  handed  it  to  his  persecutor.  *  If  one  spark  of 
humanity  yet  slumbers  in  your  bosom  you  will  send 
this  lock  to  my  poor  wife,  with  the  message  —  That 
I  die  faithful  to  her,  and  that  I  wish  her  to  train  up 
my  son  as  a  good  and  virtuous  knight.  —  Now  let 
your  executioners  come  on,  I  am  ready.' 

'  Then,  by  Woden  I '  roared  the  foaming  parent, 
*  you  never  behold  the  rising  of  another  sun  ! ' 

He  struck  a  bell,  and  twelve  armed  men  with 
closed  visors  and  drawn  swords,  slowly  and  silently 
entered.  One  of  them  detached  Ryno's  chains  from 
the  wall.  Again  the  bell  sounded,  and  at  the  other 
end  of  the  prison  the  heavy  doors  of  the  torture 
vault  flew  open  with  a  horrible  clang.  The  cave- 
like room  was  hung  with  black  and  lighted  with 
torches.      Every    instrument    which    the    cruelty  of 


THE     SORCERESS.  189 

man  has  invented  for  the  torment  of  his  fellow  man, 
brightly  polished  and  arranged  with  frightful  regu- 
larity, met  the  glance  of  the  unfortunate  prisoner. 
Large  pincers  were  glowing  in  a  chafing  dish,  and 
in  the  centre  of  the  room  stood  the  dreadful  rack 
with  its  fearful  and  mysterious  equipments.  Three 
hideous  rufSans,  with  naked  arms,  in  blood-red  caps 
and  doublets,  stood  waiting  beside  it.  On  the  right 
was  an  open  and  empty  coffin. 

*  For  the  last  time,  choose  ! '  cried  the  incensed 
tyrant. 

'  Death  ! '  said  Ryno,  calmly,  and  sighing  the  name 
of  Aliande,  he  advanced  toward  the  rack  with  a  firm 
step.  A  beam  of  light  suddenly  illuminated  the 
dungeon.  The  torture-chamber,  the  guards,  the  rack, 
the  executioners,  had  all  vanished,  —  and  Ryno  found 
himself  again  in  a  magnificent  room  whose  azure 
star-besprinkled  dome  w^as  supported  by  rose-crowned 
pillars.  With  a  friendly  smile  the  sorceress  Hiorba 
approached  him  ;  and,  as  on  the  first  day  of  his  mar- 
riage, with  the  glow  of  newly  awakened  love,  sank 
the  happy  Aliande  upon  his  breast,  thanking  him  for 
his  unshaken  fidelity  to  his  early  vows. 

'  You  have  sustained  the  trial ! '  said  Hiorba,  '  and 
thereby  expiated  many  a  former  folly,  which  Aliande 
must  now  forget.  Love  has  returned,  confidence  is 
born  anew,  and  I  shall  leave  the  again  united  pair 
with  unshaken  hope.  The  unhappy  Daura  will 
accompany  me.  Possibly  she  may  learn  forgetful- 
ness    in   my  quiet  and  peaceful  retreat,  which  she 


190  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

ought  never  to  have  left.  Farewell,  my  children. 
Forget  not  the  true  watchwords  of  hymen  —  love 
AND  FIDELITY  1  Ryuo,  remain  the  same  Ryno  you 
w^ere  in  the  grotto  and  in  Arno's  dungeon.  Aliande, 
never  forget  that,  not  tears  and  reproaches,  but 
kindness  and  affection  only,  can  reclaim  an  erring 
husband.' 

She  disappeared  in  a  cloud  of  incense,  and  the 
reunited  lovers  sealed  their  mutual  promise  to  obey 
her  sage  instructions,  with  a  kiss. 

Faithfully  was  that  promise  kept.  Even  w^hen 
Aliande's  head  had  become  silvered  with  age  she 
alone  was  the  happiness  of  Ryno,  as  he  was  hers  ; 
and  it  was  many  years  before  the  venerable  matron, 
surrounded  by  her  grandchildren,  w^as  surprised  by 
her  friend  Hiorba,  who  came  in  a  robe  of  light  to 
kiss  her  expiring  breath  from  her  pale  lips. 


THE   ANABAPTIST. 


A  TALE  OF   THE  FIRST  HALF  OF  THE  SIXTEENTH  CENTURY. 


BY  C.  F.  VAN  DER  VELDE. 


CHAPTER    I. 


It  was  on  a  fine  morning  in  February  of  the  year 
1-534,  that  the  journeyman  armorer,  Alf  Kippenbrock, 
proceeded  from  Coesfeld  toward  the  free  imperial 
city  of  Munster.  Already  had  he  left  Baumberg 
and  Stestendorp  behind — Saint  Lambert's  tower 
stretched  high  its  gigantic  head  at  the  edge  of  the 
distant  horizon,  —  and  the  fruitful  plain,  in  which  ven- 
erable old  Munster  is  situated,  gradually  spread  itself 
out  before  the  wanderer  with  its  other  towers  and 
churches  peeping  from  the  broad  level,  —  while  the 
bright  silver  of  the  distant  and  beautiful  river  Aa 
glistened  in  the  rays  of  the  morning  sun. 

Alf  stopped  at  a  stone  cross  which  stood  by  the  road 
side,  —  and  while  a  deeper  red  suffused  his  blooming 
cheeks,  and  his  pious  eyes  sparkled  with  enthusiasm  at 
the  sight  of  the  ancient  episcopal  seat,  he  took  off  his 
hat  and  swung  it  toward  the  city  for  joy. 

'  God  bless  thee,  dear  native  city ! '  he  rapturously 

exclaimed  ;  '  it  is  long  since  we  parted  —  and  I  now 

look   in  vain  for  my  good  old  parents,   who,   seven 

years    ago,    accompanied   me    as    far   as    this    cross. 

17 


194  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

Nevertheless  thou  nppearest  kind  and  friendly,  and 
ready  to  offer  me  a  hearty  welcome.  Ah,  nothing  is 
dearer  to  man  than  his  native  home  ;  thank  God  I 
have  again  found  mine,  and  in  it  that  true  and  genuine 
faith  in  which  I  hope  to  live,  and,  one  day,  happily 
die.' 

He  then  replaced  his  hat  and  walked  briskly  in 
the  direction  of  St.  Lambert's  tower.  At  that  moment 
the  mornmg  breeze  brought  suddenly  the  sound  of  the 
many  voiced  bells  to  the  youth's  ear,  while  an  immense 
cloud  of  vapor  rolled  up  in  the  well  known  region  of 
St.  Mauritius 's  cloisters.  '  Holy  God  !  some  terrible 
misfortune  has  happened  I '  exclaimed  Alf,  redoubling 
his  pace.  At  the  same  time  he  saw  an  immense 
multitude  of  people  running  tovv^ard  him  from  the  city. 
The  nearer  they  approached  the  more  distinctly  he 
discerned  the  motly  combination  of  the  crowd  that 
came  gushing  forth  on  foot,  on  horseback  and  in  car- 
riages. It  had  the  appearance  of  a  formal  national 
migration.  Judges  and  clergymen,  patricians  and 
plebeians,  the  old  and  the  infirm,  women  and  children, 
indiscriminately  mingled  with  various  kinds  of  prop- 
erty apparently  collected  in  the  haste  incidental  to  a 
sudden  conflagration,  packed  up  and  borne  along  with 
them,  successively  and  rapidly  passed  the  wanderer. 
The  men  in  a  state  of  great  excitement  conversing 
eagerly  with  each  other,  the  women  weeping,  and  the 
children  crying,  they  moved  on  in  a  seemingly  end- 
less procession. 

Alf,    transfixed    with    surprise    and    astonishment. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  195 

and  resting  on  his  walking  staff  with  his  heavy  knap- 
sack on  his  back,  stood  gazing  upon  the  passing  mul- 
titude. All  had  finally  passed  except  one  old  burgher 
who  toiled  singly  on  after  the  crowd,  panting  for  breath. 
Alf  stopped  him  in  the  way  and  said,  '  by  your  leave 
father,  what  means  this  general  flight  ?  Is  Munster 
beset  by  hostile  armies  ?  ' 

'  Alas,  worse  than  that,'  answered  the  graybeard, 
wiping  his  eyes,  '  the  anabaptists  have  become  mas- 
ters of  the  city  this  fearful  night,  and  are  driving 
before  them  all  who  do  not  belong  to  their  sect,  sword 
in  hand.' 

*  God  be  praised  ! '  cried  Alf  with  wild  enthusiasm, 
'  the  true  faith  is  triumphant  ! ' 

The  burgher  cast  upon  the  youngster  an  angry  and 
scornful  look.  '  Folly  may  be  forgiven  to  rash,  inex- 
perienced and  imprudent  youth,'  said  he,  'yet  you 
may  nevertheless  be  compelled  to  answer  to  the  Lord 
for  this  horrible  praise  of  his  name.' 

He  then  turned  his  back  upon  the  youth  and  strode 
on  after  the  procession.  Alf  no  longer  felt  the  weight 
of  his  knapsack,  but  sprang  forward  toward  Munster 
with  joyful  leaps.  He  soon,  however,  encountered 
a  new  mass  of  fugitives,  among  whom  he  could  not 
easily  penetrate  —  and  the  dust  raised  by  people, 
cattle,  horses  and  carriages,  becoming  insufferable, 
Alf  retreated  into  a  solitary  inn  by  the  way  side,  until 
the  tumult  had  passed  away. 

As  he  laid  down  his  knapsack  in  the  tap  room  and 


196  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

called  for  a  cup  of  wine,  the  door  opened  and  in  tottered 
a  pale  thin  man  in  a  long  black  clerical  robe.  He  was 
followed  by  a  light  dashing  fellow  with  the  counte- 
nance of  a  satyr,  who  carried  his  bundle  for  him. 

'  I  can  go  no  further,'  groaned  the  pale  man,  sinking 
down  upon  the  nearest  seat. 

'  Now,  doctor,  you  are  for  the  present  indeed  in 
safety,'  said  his  attendant  to  him,  depositing  the  bundle 
upon  the  stove-bench.  *  Permit  me  to  take  a  refreshing 
draught,  and  then  to  bid  you  farewell.' 

*  Thou  dost  not  wish,  then,  to  go  to  the  good  Hes- 
senland,  my  son  ? '  asked  the  doctor,  sorrowfully. 

'  No,'  answered  the  youth,  ^  but  do  not  consider  me 
unkind.  I  return  to  Munster.  New  governors  will 
require  new  clothes,  because  much  of  the  dignity  of 
office  consists  in  the  dress.  My  needle  will  not  be 
permitted  to  remain  idle  there,  and  I  shall  make  great 
profits.  Moreover  the  doctrine  of  liberty  and  equality 
was  plain  to  me  from  the  beginning  ;  and  if  the  good 
people  would  not  come  so  easily  to  blows,  nothing 
could  be  said  against  it.' 

'  I  thought  you  held  fast  to  the  ancient  faith,'  said 
the  doctor  complainingly,  '  since  you  sustained  me  so 
truly.' 

*  No,'  laughingly  replied  the  hare-brained  youth. 
'  I  held  to  you  while  you  benefitted  me ;  and  on  that 
account  I  could  not  reconcile  it  to  myself  to  desert  you 
in  your  hour  of  need.  Now  you  are  in  safety ;  and 
I  must  return  to  the  only  place  where  fellows  like 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  197 

myself  are  held  in  some  degree  of  estimation ;  in  any 
other  I  might  remain  all  my  life  a  wandering  raga- 
muffin.' 

'  One  deception  less,'  sighed  the  doctor  sinking  into 
gloomy  meditation,  when  the  host  entered  with  a  mug 
of  wine  for  x\lf.  When  he  perceived  the  doctor  the 
mug  fell,  and,  clasping  his  hands  over  his  head,  he 
cried  :  '  Holy  God !  are  you  also  driven  away,  rever- 
end sir  ?  ' 

'  The  true  shepherds  must  first  be  driven  away,' 
said  the  doctor  with  a  melancholy  smile,  '  when  the 
wolf  desires  undisturbedly  to  break  into  the  unfortu- 
nate fold.  Nevertheless  I  may  congratulate  myself  that 
I  held  out  until  the  last  moment,  and  only  yielded  to 
open  violence.' 

'  How  was  that  possible  in  so  short  a  time,  doctor  ? ' 
asked  the  host.  ^  The  adherents  of  the  Augsburg  con- 
fession w^ere  certainly  very  pow^erful  as  yet,  in  the 
city,  as  the  papists  also  were.' 

'The  terrible  Matthias,'  replied  the  doctor,  'had 
sent  circulars  through  the  neighborhood  and  collected 
all  the  anabaptists  at  Munster.  Consequently,  all  the 
low  rabble,  w^ho  had  nothing  at  home  to  lose,  rushed 
into  the  poor  city,  and  last  night,  taking  possession  of 
the  arsenal  and  town  house,  they  set  lire  to  the  clois- 
ters of  Mauritius.  They  ran,  as  if  possessed,  howling 
through  the  streets  with  naked  swords,  crying,  '  Ee- 
pent  and  be  baptised ! '  and  '  Depart  ye  Godless  ! ' 
Neither  condition,  age,  nor  sex  availed ;  delicate 
women,  the  sick  and  dying,  w^ere  all  mercilessly  thrust 
17^ 


198  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

out  at  the  gates  of  their  native  city  unless  they  would 
profess  the  heretical,  heathenish  worship.  The  choice 
between  death,  flight,  and  apostacy,  only  remained, 
even  to  me  ;  and  as  I  thought  it  better  to  be  useful 
through  the  preaching  of  the  word  to  honest  christians 
than  through  martyrdom  in  the  paws  of  such  raging 
brutes,  I  shook  the  dust  from  my  feet  and  escaped, — 
and  God  must  judge.' 

'  I  am  very  sorry  for  you,'  cried  Alf,  much  agitated: 
'  because  you  have  such  a  venerable  appearance,  and 
doubtless  think  yourself  truly  faithful,  though  you 
wander  in  darkness.  Nevertheless,  it  is  a  culpable 
stubbornness  in  you  Lutherans,  to  struggle  so  violently 
against  the  new  doctrines,  which  have  the  right  and 
the  holy  scriptures  so  clearly  on  their  side.  Has  not 
our  Lord  and  Savior  expressly  commanded  his  Apos- 
tles— '  Go  ye  into  all  the  w^orld  and  teach  all  people 
and  baptize  them  ? '  So  therefore,  the  teaching  must 
precede  the  baptism,  according  to  Christ's  own  words. 
How  dare  you,  then,  presume  to  baptize  new  born 
children  who  can  know  nothing  of  God  ? ' 

*  What,  another  anabaptist  I '  grumbled  the  host, 
with  a  discontented  glance  at  the  speaker  ;  and  the 
worthy  doctor  directed  his  eyes,  full  of  heartfelt  sor- 
row, upon  the  youth,  and  sighed — '  Another  lamb  gone 
astray  from  the  flock,  whom  I  cannot  lead  back  to  the 
protecting  fold.     This  it  is,  that  makes  me  sad.' 

*  You  have  not  answered  my  question,'  said  Alf, 
with  the  triumph  of  the  controversialist. 

'  Of  what  advantage  is  it   to   show  the  way  to  the 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  199 

blind,  who  will  not  see  it  ? '  cried  the  doctor  :  '  I  could 
answer  you,  that  Christ's  apostles  could  only  baptize 
adults,  because  those  only  came  over  to  Christianity 
at  first  ;  but  that,  at  a  later  period,  the  burning  zeal 
of  the  great  Augustine  placed  near  the  heart  of  the 
christian  fathers  the  duty  of  consecrating  their  chil- 
dren to  Christ  through  the  holy  baptism  into  the 
covenant,  and  thereby  to  deliver  them  from  the  original 
sin  and  impart  to  them  the  redemption  through  Christ, 
before  peradventure  they  should  be  snatched  away  in 
their  tender  youth  by  a  premature  death.  Would  to 
God  that  this  schism  was  the  only  one  that  your  com- 
panions in  your  mistaken  faith  defend  with  such 
terrible  obstinacy  and  fierceness.  You  have  yet  other 
dogmas  which  you  advance,  sufficient  to  convert  our 
earth,  God's  beautiful  temple,  into  a  den  of  murderers. 
Your  community  of  goods,  your  equality  of  rank,  your 
struggle  against  secular  authority,  lead  directly  to 
lawless  confusion,  robbery,  murder,  and  unhappy  rev- 
olution.' 

'Even  the  best  opinions  may  be  misconstrued,' 
replied  Alf,  angrily.  '  The  gospel  looks  upon  all  men 
as  equal.  The  distinctions  made  among  them  by 
birth,  rank,  and  wealth,  are  contrary  to  its  spirit. 
Christians  who  possess  the  doctrines  of  God  as  pre- 
cepts, and  take  his  spirit  for  their  guide,  need  no  power 
that  destroys  religious  liberty  without  authority. 
They  are  able  to  govern  themselves  by  the  word  of 
God,  and  the  Holy  Spirit  will  always  guide  them,  that 
they  stumble  not  in  the  paths  in  which  they  are  led 
by  their  faith.' 


200  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  Unhappy,  infatuated  youth  ! '  cried  the  doctor,  with 
a  majestic  prophetic  look  and  tone.  '  Go  now  into 
the  unfortunate  city,  and  behold  how  the  anabaptist 
spirit  has  conducted  your  companions  to  robbery, 
incendiarism  and  murder,  in  the  smoking  ruins  of  the 
cloister,  and  in  the  bleeding  bodies  which  strew  the 
highways  I  If  this  horrible  spectacle  be  not  enough 
to  move  your  heart,  think  of  the  words  which  in  this 
sad  hour  I  address  to  you  in  the  name  of  that  God 
whom  your  proceedings  profane.  These  crimes  will 
be  but  the  beginning  of  your  afflictions.  Your 
equality  will  yet  be  to  you  but  equality  of  misery — 
your  community  of  goods  wiJl  bring  you  to  beggary. 
Instead  of  the  magistracy  which  you  now  drive  away, 
miscreants  will  rise  up  from  the  midst  of  you,  and 
with  bloody  hands  rend  your  OAvn  entrails,  until  the 
wrath  of  a  long  suffering  God  finally  awakes,  until 
the  avenger  appears,  and  you  all  perish  in  one  com- 
mon ruin.' 

*  There  come  horsemen  galloping,'  cried  the  doctor's 
attendant,  who  was  standing  at  the  window  with  his 
cup  ;  *  and,  if  I  see  rightly,  they  bear  our  lord  bishop's 
colors.     It  might  be  well  for  me  to  go  back  to  the  city.' 

'  The  bishop's  riders  ! '  sighed  the  doctor.  '  It  often 
happens  that  the  avenger  only  lingers  near  ;  but  this 
time  the  Lord  in  his  anger  has  given  him  wings.' 

*  The  bishop's  riders  ! '  cried  the  host,  anxiously  : 
'  May  God  be  merciful  to  us.  Those  fellows  make  no 
distinctions,  but  shear  both  Lutherans  and  anabaptists 
over  one  comb.' 

Alf 's  eyes  flashed  fire  at   this ;  he  drew  from  his 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  201 

portmanteau  a  large,  two  edged  dirk-knife,  screwed  it 
upon  his  walking  stick,  and  placed  himself  in  a  defen- 
sive attitude. 

Meanwhile  the  horsemen  had  stalked  into  the  inn. 

*  Here  is  a  whole  band  of  anabaptists  collected 
together,'  cried  the  officer.  '  Halters  from  the  horses  ! 
we  will  bind  them  together  in  couples.' 

'  I  am  the  doctor  of  theology,  Theodore  Fabricius,' 
cried  the  reverend  gentleman,  with  all  the  dignity  of 
his  station  ;  '  driven  from  Munster  by  the  anabaptists, 
and  am  under  the  special  protection  of  his  grace  the 
landgrave  of  Hesse.' 

'  Why  should  we  trouble  ourselves  much  about  the 
heretics,'  exclaimed  the  serjeant.  '  Don't  trifle  and 
spend  your  time  in  unnecessary  discourse ;  submit 
without  resistance  ! '  cried  another,  seizing  the  poor 
doctor  by  the  collar. 

Then  sprang  forward  Alf,  and  struck  aside  the 
strong  hand  of  the  horseman.  '  Back ! '  cried  he, 
holding  his  dirk-spear  before  him,  *  I  will  stab  the  first 
who  touches  the  old  man.' 

'  That  is  brave  ! '  cried  the  host,  exultingly ;  and, 
armed  with  a  small  hatchet,  he  stationed  himself  at 
Alf's  side. 

'  Young  man,  why  do  you  interfere  ? '  cried  the 
horseman,  recoiling.  '  Out  broadswords  ! '  shouted  the 
officer,  and  the  broad  blades  were  already  flashing, 
when  a  new  trampling  of  horses  drew  all  eyes  to  the 
window,  and  in  an  instant  a  fresh  band  of  horsemen 
crowded  into  the  room. 


202  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  God  be  praised ! '  cried  Fabricius,  with  folded 
hands  ;  '  those  are  the  colors  of  my  lord,  the  land- 
grave.' 

*  What  mischief  are  you  episcopalians  carrying  on 
here  ?  '  angrily  asked  the  captain  of  the  new  comers. 

'We  surely  shall  not  answer  to  a  Hessian  concern- 
ing that,  while  standing  upon  our  lord  bishop's  own 
ground,'  blustered  the  serjeant.  '  With  greater  right 
may  I  ask  how  you  could  yourself  venture  upon  our 
territory  with  weapons  and  arms,  w^ithout  escort  ? ' 

*  Madman  I '  cried  the  captain,  '  is  that  the  way 
you  speak  to  your  allies  ?  We  are  sent  by  our  lord 
to  help  yours  against  the  rebellious  anabaptists.  At 
present  I  am  commanded  to  the  defence  of  the  evan- 
gelical preachers,  who  are  compelled  to  flee  from 
Munster,  and  I  w411  not  permit  you  to  abuse  them.' 

*  If  you  expect  that  I  shall  believe  every  thing  you 
say  upon  your  mere  assertion,'  sneeringly  answered 
the  bishop's  serjeant-major,  '  you  are  for  once  mista- 
ken.    The  heretic  priest  is  my  prisoner.' 

'  Contemptible  slave  of  a  "  priest  I '  thundered  the 
captain,  'when  the  word  of  a  knight  is  doubted,  he 
has  no  other  voucher  than  his  good  sword ; '  and 
drawing  forth  his  blade,  he  called  to  his  followers, 
'  strike  flat,  comrades.' 

As  if  all  the  furriers  of  Munster  had  collected 
together  in  the  tavern  to  beat  their  skins,  so  clattered 
the  Hessian  blades  upon  the  broad  backs  of  the  epis- 
copalians in  mighty  chorus.  In  a  moment  the  room 
was  cleared,   and  the   Hessians   were  sitting  behind 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  203 

their  full  jugs,  making  themselves  merry  over  their 
easy  and  bloodless  victory. 

'  Where  do  you  desire  to  be  conducted,  reverend 
doctor  ? '  asked  the  captain  courteously. 

'  I  intend  to  go  direct  to  Cassel,'  answered  Fabricius, 
'  to  give  an  account  of  my  mission  to  the  landgrave. 
If  you  will  give  me  a  file  of  horsemen  as  far  as 
Paderborn,  I  shall  reach  my  destination  without  diffi- 
culty.' 

'  With  your  permission,  Mr.  Captain,'  said  the 
landlord,  '  I  will  myself  convey  my  confessor  as  far  as 
Paderborn  in  my  little  wagon.' 

'  It  is  well ! '  answered  the  captain,  casting  a  glance 
upon  Alf,  who  had  unscrewed  the  knife  from  his  staff 
and  was  preparing  to  proceed  on  his  way. 

'  Who  art  thou  ? '  he  asked  in  a  severe  tone. 

'  An  honest  journeyman  armorer,'  answered  Alf, 
boldly,  '  w^ho  am  returning  to  Munster  in  search  of 
employment.' 

'  To  Munster  ?  '  angrily  repeated  the  captain  :  '  to 
that  heated  furnace  where  the  frantic  mob  are  prepar- 
ing misery  for  the  country  ? — and  now, — directly  ? 
Dost  thou  belong  to  them  ? ' 

'  Shame  to  him  who  denies  his  faith  through  fear  of 
men,'  cried  Alf;  *  yes,  I  am  an  anabaptist.' 

*  Munster  needs  no  armorer  now,'  said  the  captain, 
with  decision  ;  '  sharp  weapons  are  not  good  for  chil- 
dren and  drunken  men  :  they  injure  themselves  and 
others  with  them.  Thou  goest  with  us  back  to  the 
head  quarters  at  Walbeck.' 


204  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  Never ! '  exclaimed  Alf,  in  wrath,  drawing  his 
knife. 

'Pardon  his  imprudence,'  entreated  Fabricius,  step- 
ping between  them.  '  His  spirit  is  diseased  and 
heavily  weighed  down ;  but  his  heart  is  better  than 
his  mistaken  faith.  He  has  hazarded  his  life  in  my 
defence  against  the  episcopalians,  regardless  of  the 
difference  of  our  creeds.     Let  him  go  in  freedom.' 

'  You  know  not  what  you  ask,  doctor,'  said  the 
captain,  displeased.  '  Ought  I  to  permit  the  rebels 
to  strengthen  themselves  by  the  acquisition  of  such  a 
stout  fellow  ? ' 

'  There  are  already,  alas  !  a  plenty  of  wicked  men,' 
said  Fabricius,  '  ferociously  raging  in  the  unhappy 
city.  It  seems  to  me  it  is  to  be  wished,  that  there 
should  be  some  good  souls  among  them,  who  might 
mitigate  many  an  evil,  and  prevent  many  a  crime. 
The  whole  conduct  of  this  youth  convinces  me,  that 
his  erroneous  opinions  will  not  hold  out  against  the 
misdeeds  he  will  witness,  and  against  the  voice  of 
truth  in  his  own  heart ;  and  then  may  even  he  become 
a  fit  instrument  in  God's  cause.  Let  him  go,  by  my 
desire.' 

*  Go  then,'  impatiently  cried  the  captain,  returning 
to  the  drinking  table. 

*  God  reward  thee,'  said  Alf,  Avith  deep  feeling,  and 
pressing  the  hand  of  Fabricius  to  his  bosom ;  *  thou 
hast  saved  me  from  murder.' 

'  The  Lord  enlighten  thee  ! '  said  Fabricius,  laying 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  205 

his  hands  upon  the  youth's  head  for  a  farewell  blessing, 
*  so  that  we  may  one  day  joyfully  meet  again.' 

'  You  say  that  with  great  confidence,  sir,'  cried 
Alf,  perplexedly,  '  as  if  the  error  were  certainly  upon 
mcr  side.  I  firmly  believe  it  to  be  upon  yours.  For 
God's  sake,  then,  which  of  us  two  is  right  in  these 
dreadful  contentions  ? ' 

*  If  that  doubt  itself  do  not  already  tell  thee,  my 
son,'  said  Fabricius,  in  a  friendly  manner,  '  only  sub- 
mit the  new  belief, to  the  touchstone  of  thy  reason 
and  thy  honest  heart — bring  it  to  the  test  of  the  holy 
scriptures, — seek  the  truth  with  diligence  and  thou 
shaltfind  it.' 

'  No,  no  ! '  cried  Alf,  in  the  wild  conflict  of  his  soul. 
'  The  holy  spirit,  that  spoke  by  our  prophets,  cannot 
err.  Satan  himself  must  have  whispered  the  wicked 
doubt  to  me  :  I  reject  and  cast  it  from  me,  as,  accord- 
ing to  God's  commandment,  I  ought  the  eye  that 
ofl^ends  me.  I  am,  here,  yet  within  the  confines  of 
anti-christ,  and  his  power  darkens  my  vision.  Where- 
fore, forward  to  the  realm  of  light  !  Up,  toward  the 
holy  Zion ! ' 

As  if  beside  himself,  the  enthusiast  strode  out  of 
the  house,  the  worthy  Fabricius  with  saddened  looks, 
watching  his  retreating  form. 

Alf  was  already  advancing  toward   the  city  with 

vigorous    strides,    when  he  heard  some    one  calling 

behind,  and  the  nimble  tailor  came  running  after  him. 

'  Take  me  with  you,  compatriot,'  begged  he  :  '  I  have 

18 


206  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

taken  my  leave  of  the  worthy  doctor,  and  would  wil- 
lingly return  to  the  city  in  good  company.' 

*  Where  were  you  during  the  first  part  of  the  fight  ? ' 
asked  Alf  of  him. 

'  Behind  the  stove,  dear  compatriot,'  laughingly 
confessed  the  tailor  ;  '  and  when  it  began  between  the 
Hessians  and  the  episcopalians,  I  crawled  under  the 
stove,  lest  perhaps  both  parties  might  take  me  for  an 
enemy,  and  I  thus  receive  a  double  portion  of  blows.' 

'  For  shame,'  said  Alf,  scornfully. 

'What  is  there  in  that  to  be  ashamed  of?'  babbled 
the  tailor.  *  Let  each  honor  his  profession.  An  ar- 
morer, with  legs  and  arms  to  his  body,  as  you  have, 
by  the  grace  of  God,  must  hammer  upon  his  enemies 
as  he  would  upon  old  iron  —  it  is  his  duty;  but  a 
poor  little  tailor,  like  me,  has  the  privilege  of  running 
away  from  such  affairs  of  honor ;  and  I  should  little 
grace  my  fraternity  by  exhibiting  an  ill-timed  valor 
in  old  quarrels.' 

'  Under  such  circumstances,'  said  Alf,  '  I  cannot 
understand  how  your  cowardice  can  suffer  you  to 
return  to  Munster,  which  just  now  is  very  tempest- 
uous and  clanging  with  arms.' 

*  Why,  not  a  hair  of  my  head  can  be  injured!' 
triumphantly  answered  the  tailor.  '  I  am  the  old 
boon  companion  of  the  second  of  the  prophets  who 
are  now  very  powerful  in  the  government  of  the  city, 
and  they  cannot  fail  me.  When  once  the  old  order 
of  affairs  shall  be  wholly  overturned,  I  may  be  clothed 


THE      ANABAPTIST.  207 

with  a  station  of  high  honor  in  the  new  government. 
For  a  generalship  in  the  field  my  stars  have  certainly 
not  directly  designed  me ;  but  a  chancellorship  or 
treasurership  I  may  fill  as  well  as  another.' 

'  For  that  must  God  in  his  anger  have  created  you,' 
cried  Alf,  with  indignant  laughter. 

'  Because  I  am  a  tailor  ? '  asked  the  chancellor-in- 
expectancy,  angrily.  '  How  blind  does  the  pride  of 
your  hands  make  you,  friend  armorer!  Does  every 
thing  depend  upon  strong  bones  in  this  world  ? 
What  was  Johannes  Bockhold  of  Leyden,  our  great 
prophet,  more  than  a  tailor?  What  does  he  now 
appear,  and  to  what  will  he  not  hereafter  attain  ! 
The  days  and  nights  have  not  yet  all  passed.  He 
has  a  head  for  twenty ;  and  when  we  loitered  about 
together  as  comedians,  while  business  in  our  line 
was  dull,  then  did  he  play  the  parts  of  emperors  and 
kings,  and  played  and  ranted  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
compel  respect  from  all.  Give  him  the  world  and 
he  will  govern  it  in  fine  style.' 

'  A  man  who  plays  the  buffoon  for  bread,  selected 
to  carry  on  the  work  of  the  spirit  in  my  native  city ! ' 
sighed  Alf,  losing  himself  in  sad  reflections  until 
they  arrived  at  the  closed  gates. 

Here  all  was  crowded  with  the  busy  activity  of 
the  burghers.  The  city  walls  were  repaired  and 
raised,  —  the  ditches  were  deepened  and  furnished 
with  palisades,  —  new  bulwarks  and  towers  arose  on 
high,  —  hammer  and  trowel,  shovel  and  pickaxe,  were 
in  constant  motion,  —  and  the  dirt  carts  creaked 
incessantly.     Aged   and  distinguished   men  worked 


208  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

unweariedly,  like  day-laborers ;  women  and  children 
assisted ;  and  the  pleasure  and  satisfaction,  with 
which  every  thing  was  accomplished,  rendered  it  very 
apparent  that  the  most  ardent  enthusiasm  was  the 
soul  of  this  body. 

'  Do  you  not  perceive,'  cried  the  tailor,  gaily  slap- 
ping Alf's  shoulder,  Uhat  the  bishop  will  be  compelled 
to  break  many  a  tooth  upon  our  walls  before  he  will 
be  able  to  eat  us  up  ? ' 

'  What  does  that  denote  ?  '  asked  Alf,  disregarding 
the  boast,  and  pointing  to  two  large  stone  slabs 
covered  with  letters  which  were  hanging  upon  the 
gates. 

'  Those  are  the  commands  of  our  second  Moses,  of 
our  great  Matthias,'  replied  the  tailor,  reverently. 
'He  has  caused  them  to  be  cut  in  stone  and  to  be  hung 
thus  on  all  the  gates  of  the  city,  to  keep  the  people 
in  the  fear  of  God,  so  that  every  man  may  conduct 
according  to  them.' 

At  that  moment  a  confused  drumming  alarm  rattled 
in  the  city,  and  a  desolate  thrilling  cry  of  the  raging 
populace  answered  the  warlike  call ;  an  icy  chill 
diffused  itself  through  every  member  of  Alf 's  body, 
as  it  seemed  to  him  as  if  the  people  were  roaring 
for  blood. 

'  The  prophets  are  calling  the  people  together,' 
said  the  tailor,  dragging  Alf  forward.  '  Come,  we 
must  hear  what  they  have  to  say  to  us ;  we  belong  to 
the  mass,  and  can  give  our  opinions  upon  public 
affairs  whenever  it  may  seem  good  to  us.' 

They   hastened    toward    the    market,   where    the 


THE      ANABAPTIST.  209 

human  tide,  as  if  agitated  by  the  wildest  storms, 
waved  to  and  fro,  thundering  and  roaring. 

The  thickest  crowd  was  about  St.  Lambert's 
church,  and  the  mass,  armed  with  clubs  and  spears 
and  muskets,  seemed  here  to  form  a  large  circle, 
from  the  centre  of  which  a  single  commanding  voice 
occasionally  rose  above  the  general  bustle  of  the 
crowd. 

Alf  swung  himself  up  to  the  corner  stone  of  a 
house  near  the  market,  held  fast  to  the  iron  sup- 
porters of  a  pitch-pan,  and  looked  towards  the  centre 
of  the  circle. 

'  What  do  you  see,'  cried  the  tailor  to  him  above. 

'  A  stout  man,'  answered  Alf,  '  clad  in  a  coarse 
woolen  capote.  I  can  scarcely  see  his  face  through 
his  disheveled  hair  and  bushy  beard.  He  poises  a 
stout  spear  over  a  vigorous  burgher  who  is  kneeling 
before  him.' 

'  That  is  our  great  Matthias,'  exclaimed  the  tailor. 

A  fresh  multitude  at  that  instant  came  up  and 
pulled  Alf  down  from  his  corner  stone.  The  tailor 
held  on  with  all  his  might  to  prevent  being  borne 
away  by  the  crowd,  and  grumbled,  '  it  is  very  wrong 
that  one  should  be  hindered  by  the  crowd  from  seeing 
what  the  people  do  in  their  sovereign  judicial  ca- 
pacity.' 

'  Thank  God !  I  find  one  acquaintance  here  at 
least  !'  exclaimed  a  pale  girl,  tremblingly  seizing  the 
hand  of  the  tailor.  '  If  you  have  the  heart  of  a  man, 
18^ 


210  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

my  good  fellow,  help  us  out  of  this  great  difficulty. 
You  have  much  influence  with  Johannes  Bockhold, 
the  prophet  ;  beg  of  him,  therefore,  mercy  for  my 
poor  uncle  I ' 

'  For  your  uncle,  mademoiselle  Clara  ? '  inquired 
he  with  astonishment.  '  What  has  happened  to  the 
worthy  master  Trutlinger  ? ' 

'  Trutlinger,  Hubert  Trutlinger,  the  armorer  ? ' 
exclaimed  Alf,  in  great  agitation  ;  '  my  good  old 
master  ?     What  has  happened  to  him  ?  ' 

'  Alas,  they  have  dragged  him  before  the  tribunal 
of  the  people  I '  complained  the  weeping  girl ;  '  he  is 
said  to  have  spoken  evil  of  the  prophets.' 

'  That  is  a  bad  case,'  said  the  tailor,  '  and  in  such 
an  unpleasant  predicament  there  is  not  much  to  be 
hoped  from  any  interference.' 

'  But  you  must  attempt  that  possibility,'  said  Alf, 
'  of  serving  the  upright  man  and  this  loving  child.' 

There  fell  a  shot  in  the  midst  of  the  circle,  which 
was  directly  followed  by  a  horrible  cry  from  the 
thousand  voiced  multitude.  '  God  !  what  was  that  ?  ' 
exclaimed  the  girl,  aghast.  *  I  fear  my  intercession 
comes  too  late,'  said  the  tailor  dubiously.  At  that 
moment  the  circle  opened  and  the  doomed  one  \vas 
brought  forth,  borne  in  mournful  silence  upon  the 
halberds  of  several  burghers.  The  blood  was  stream- 
ing from  a  spear  wound  in  his  side,  and  from  a 
reeking  shot  wound  in  his  breast ;  yet  the  unhappy 
man  was  not   dead,  but   breathed,  although  with  in- 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  211 

finite  pain,  and  had  his  eyes  directed  imploringly 
toward  heaven.  '  Not  even  to  be  able  to  die,'  groaned 
he.    '  Thou  punishest  heavily  my  foolishness,  O  God ! ' 

*  Be  satisfied  unhappy  man,'  exclaimed  the  terrible 
prophet,  who  had  followed  him.  *  Heaven  has  re- 
vealed to  me  that  the  hour  of  thy  death  has  not  yet 
come.  God  has  determined  to  show  thee  mercy. 
Convey  him  to  his  dwelling,'  said  he  to  the  bearers, 
'  so  that  he  may  be  taken  care  of  by  his  own  family. 
The  Lord  desires  not  the  death  of  sinners,  but  that 
they  should  be  converted  and  live.' 

'  Bear  me  forward  quickly,'  begged  the  dying  man 
to  those  who  were  carrying  him.  '  These  bible- 
sayings  cut  me  to  the  heart,  —  for,  out  of  his  mouth, 
they  sound  to  me  like  a  blaspheming  of  God.' 

They  bore  him  toward  his  house.  Alf  tremblingly 
followed  the  poor  Clara,  whose  eyes  were  streaming 
with  countless  tears,  and  who  on  the  way  vainly 
sought  to  check  with  her  handkerchief  the  flow  of 
blood  from  the  gushing  wounds. 

At  the  door  of  Trutlinger's  house  the  sad  train 
was  received  by  a  beauteous  maiden.  Around  her 
noble,  blooming  face,  floated  in  profusion  the  rich 
curls  of  her  dark  locks.  The  fire  of  her  black  eyes, 
increased  by  enthusiasm,  pierced  deep  into  the  heart. 
Her  high  forehead,  her  finely  arched  nose,  her  slender 
and  majestic  figure,  imparted  to  her  whole  appearance 
something  queenlike,  which  even  her  burgher  garb, 
(in  consequence  of  the  strictness  of  the  new  belief 
deprived  of  every  ornament)  could  not  counteract. 
When  she  perceived   the   situation  of  her  unhappy 


212  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

uncle,  she  wrung  her  white  hands,  tears  burst  from 
her  eyes,  which  in  the  bitterness  of  her  grief  were 
raised  to  heaven,  and  embellished  by  her  sorrow  she 
stood,  a  weeping  Madonna.  The  meek,  unassuming 
Clara  became  wholly  eclipsed  by  her  noble  figure, 
at  which  Alf  stood  gazing  with  true  devotion.  'For 
God's  sake,  what  has  happened  to  you,  dear  uncle  ? ' 
cried  she,  accompanying  the  bearers,  who  conveyed 
the  sufferer  into  the  nearest  lower  room  and  there 
laid  him  upon  a  bed. 

'  He  has  practised  continual  mocking  of  the  holy 
mission  of  our  prophets,'  answered  one  of  the  bearers, 
'  and  the  prophet  Matthias  has  judged  him  before  the 
congregation.' 

'  God  be  merciful  to  his  poor  soul ! '  murmured  the 
departing  populace,  and  Alf  was  left  alone  with  the 
maidens  and  the  dying  man. 

'  How  came  your  senses  so  entirely  to  desert  you, 
my  poor  uncle,  as  to  permit  you  to  fall  into  so  heavy 
a  sin  ? '  moaned  the  beauteous  girl,  who  was  bandag- 
ing his  wounds  with  the  quiet  sorrowful  Clara. 

'  Be  silent,  simpleton  ! '  angrily  replied  the  old 
man  with  his  remaining  strength.  '  My  senses  have 
indeed  deserted  me  ;  but  only  with  the  lying  spirit  of 
the  wicked  wretches  whom  in  my  madness  I  held  for 
God's  prophets.  With  my  gushing  blood  departs  the 
delusion  which  perhaps  has  cost  me  my  salvation, 
and  I  perceive  with  horror  that  my  poor  native  city, 
led  astray  by  crafty  imposters,  is  on  the  way  to  ruin 
for  time  and  eternity.' 

'  Gracious   heavens !    he    already   repeats    his    of- 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  213 

fences,'  sobbed  the  gentle  maiden.  '  We  are  not 
alone,  uncle,'  Clara  reminded  him  in  a  voice  of  gentle 
entreaty. 

Trutlinger,  raising  his  weary  eyes  toward  the 
youth,  remained  fixedly  considering  him  for  a  long 
time ;  and,  as  if  he  finally  recollected  him,  a  smile 
dawned  upon  his  face,  which  his  sufferings  chased 
away.  '  If  I  see  rightly,'  said  he  faintly,  '  that  is  a 
good  old  acquaintance,  before  whom  no  precaution  or 
constraint  is  necessary.  Do  I  mistake,  comrade  ? 
Are  you  not  my  former  faithful  apprentice,  Alf  Kip- 
penbrock  ? ' 

'  I  am  the  same,  my  worthy  master,'  said  Alf, 
approaching  and  taking  his  hand,  while  his  tears 
flowed  more  mildly. 

*  This  is  the  finger  of  God  ! '  exclaimed  Trutlinger, 
and  a  feeble  light  relumed  his  eyes.  '  These  girls 
are  orphans  —  their  last  protector  goes  to  the  grave 
in  me.  The  thought  that  I  must  leave  their  inex- 
perienced youth  behind  me  without  protection  in  this 
den  of  murderers,  renders  my  death  most  afflicting. 
You  were  always  a  good  and  capable  man,  Kippen- 
brock.  Promise,  then,  to  your  dying  master,  with 
the  hand  and  word  of  a  man,  that  you  will  shelter 
and  protect  these  poor  children  according  to  the  best 
of  your  ability.' 

Alf  cast  a  friendly  glance  upon  the  proteges  con- 
fided to  him.  The  dark-haired  young  maiden 
gleamed  upon  him  with  a  burning  glance,  while 
Clara    timidly  cast  her  blue  eyes  upon  the  ground. 


214  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

The  heart  of  the  youth  swelled.     He  quickly  pressed 
Trutlmg-er's  cold  hand  and  cried,  *  I  promise  it.' 

*  God  reward  thee  I'  faintly  uttered  the  hoary  man, 
his  head  sank  back  and  his  lacerated  breast  labored 
with  the  death-struggle.  Yet  once  more  he  suddenly 
opened  his  eyes.  All  radiant  were  they  raised 
toward  heaven.  '  Yes,'  cried  he  aloud  and  joyfully, 
— '  yes,  thou  hast  forgiven  the  son  of  earth  his 
errors!  I  see  thy  brightness  I '  —  and  he  was  no 
more. 

'Lord,  deal  not  with  him  in  judgment  I'  prayed 
the  enthusiastic  young  woman,  with  pious  zeal. 

*  My  second  father  ! '  cried  Clara,  mildly  weeping, 
and,  bending  down  over  the  dead  body,  she  softly 
kissed  his  pale  lips. 

*  No,'  cried  Alf,  with  angry  grief,  '  this  sentence 
was  not  pronounced  and  executed  in  accordance  with 
thy  will,  Spirit  of  Mercy  I ' 


CHAPTER    II. 


The  next  morning  Alf  stepped  into  the  apartment 
of  his  kinsman,  Gerhard  Kippenbrock,  to  salute  him. 
The  good  old  man,  a  worthy  butcher  by  calling,  had 
by  the  overthrow  of  all  established  customs  been 
made  second  burgomaster  of  the  imperial  free  city  of 
Munster,  without  clearly  knowing  how  that  precise 
result  had  been  attained.  He  advanced  to  meet  the 
new  comer,  uncommonly  magnificent  in  his  black  of- 
ficial dress,  with  the  lace  collar  and  golden  chain  of 
honor,  and  introduced  him  to  a  large,  raw-boned, 
meagre  man,  in  a  similar  dress,  who  sat  at  the  table 
staring  on  vacancy  with  half-extinguished  eyes,  in 
which  the  flashes  of  a  quiet  insanity  were  occasionally 
playing. 

*  Thou  hast  here  the  best  opportunity  to  recommend 
thyself  to  the  favor  of  our  first  burgomaster,  of  brother 
Bernd  Knipperdolling,'  said  the  elder  Kippenbrock 
to  the  youth.  Alf  bowed  himself  low  before  the 
singular  man,  whose  appearance  affected  him  disa- 
greeably, and  stammered  some  expressions  of  respect. 

Knipperdolling  cast  upon  him  a  searching  glance, 


216        TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

and  then  said  in  a  hollow  and  monotonous  voice,  *  a 
well  formed  vessel  for  the  spirit !  —  thy  kinsman,  my 
brother  ?  He  may  become  a  bailiff  of  the  city  of 
Zion.' 

*  God  preserve  me,  revered  sir  burgomaster  I '  pro- 
tested Alf.  '  I  by  no  means  understand  all  that  the 
office  requires,  and  should  disgrace  my  undeserved 
promotion.' 

*  Whoever  hath  the  spirit,'  said  Knipperdolling, 
decisively,  '  needs  no  earthly  wisdom.' 

'  I  have  taken  upon  myself  a  holy  duty  I '  exclaimed 
the  youth  with  anxiety,  shuddering  at  the  burthen 
of  the  proffered  dignity.  '  I  have  promised  to  the 
unfortunate  Trutlinger  on  his  death-bed,  to  take  upon 
myself  the  care  of  his  two  nieces,  whom  he  left  unpro- 
tected. I  shall  have  plenty  to  do,  —  for  six  journeymen 
are  employed  in  the  workshop  of  the  orphans,  and 
much  work  is  ordered.' 

'  Let  him  have  his  will,'  entreated  the  elder  Kippen- 
brock  of  his  colleague.  '  I  have  known  him  from  his 
youth  up  ;  his  head  is  not  equal  to  the  governing  of 
lands  and  people,  but  he  is  a  capable  armorer,  whom 
we  much  need  in  these  times  when  our  all  rests 
upon  the  points  of  our  swords.' 

^  Have  you  already  been  baptised  ? '  asked  Knip- 
perdolling. 

*  Your  faith  became  mine  at  Amsterdam,'  answered 
Alf,  but  I  have  postponed  being  baptised  until  I  could 
receive  that  holy  ordinance  here,  in  my  native  city.' 

*  Our  orator,  brother  Rothman,  will  prepare  you 
for  it,'  said  Knipperdolling. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  217 

'  I  hope  this  brother  has  already  laid  a  good  ground,' 
said  a  man  in  a  black  ministerial  robe,  with  a  cun- 
ning, bold,  peaked  face.  '  I  shall  hold  a  great  baptiz- 
ing one  of  these  days  at  the  river  Aa,  and  shall  ex- 
pect to  see  the  catechumen  previously  at  my  house.' 

'  We  will  be  his  witnesses  on  that  holy  occasion,' 
said  Knipperdolling,  w^ith  a  gracious  nod  of  his  head, 
'  I  and  my  colleague  Kippenbrock.' 

The  candidate  for  baptism  stammered  his  thanks 
for  the  unexpected  honor,  when  the  door  of  the  room 
Avas  thrown  open  with  violence,  and  a  young  man  of 
Alf 's  age  strode  fiercely  in.  His  countenance  might 
have  been  considered  handsome,  had  it  not  been  for 
the  deathlike  paleness  and  distortion  w^hich  disfigured 
it.  His  large  and  restlessly  rolling  eyes  —  his  di- 
shevelled, bristling  hair  —  his  loose  coarse  garments, 
which  scarcely  covered  the  nakedness  of  his  body  — 
all  these  gave  to  his  figure  a  frightful  appearance  ; 
and  Alf  was  thereby  reminded,  with  a  secret  shudder, 
of  the  altar-piece  of  a  church,  where  he  had  seen  the 
adversary  represented  as  tempting  our  Savior  in  the 
wilderness.  All  present  rose  reverently  at  his  en- 
trance, and,  with  their  hands  crossed  upon  their 
breasts,  bowed  low  before  the  youth. 

'  Thus  speaks  the  spirit  by  the  mouth  of  your 
prophets,'  cried  he  wdth  singular  gestures.  '  Make 
outcry  in  all  the  streets  of  Zion,  that  every  one  bring 
all  his  w^ealth  in  gold,  silver  and  jewels,  and  lay  it  at 
the  feet  of  the  great  prophet,  Matthias.  There  must 
]9 


218       TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

no  longer  be  rich  or  poor  in  the  community  which 
the  Lord  has  chosen  for  himself.  Let  all  belong 
to  all!' 

*  So  mote  it  be,'  cried  the  hearers,  and  a  gentle 
sigh  from  the  rich  butcher  accompanied  the  response. 

'  A  true  christian  needs  no  erudition,'  continued 
he  prophet.  '  The  internal  word  is  of  more  value 
than  the  outward.  All  books  written  with  the  inso- 
lent wisdom  of  men  are  fruitless  and  unprofitable,  if 
the  doctrines  they  contain  are  already  proved  in  the 
holy  scriptures,  —  ungodly,  if  they  are  opposed  to 
them.  Wherefore  you  must  bring  all  books,  except 
the  bible,  out  of  Zion,  and  collect  them  at  the  market 
before  St.  Lambert's  church,  and  cause  them  to  be 
consumed  by  fire,  a  burnt  offering  to  the  Lord.' 

'  So  mote  it  be  ! '  again  submissively  repeated  all 
mouths. 

'  Whoever  sins  against  one  of  these  commands,' 
roared  the  prophet,  with  wild  flashing  eyes,  '  shall 
die  the  death  ! ' 

'  Amen  ! '  said  the  trembling  chorus,  and  the 
prophet  stalked  haughtily  out  of  the  door. 

'  Who  was  that  ? '  Alf  timidly  asked  his  kinsman. 
'  Johannes  Bockhold,  our  second  prophet,'  answered 
he,  dejectedly,  '  the  right  hand  of  the  great  Matthias.' 

'  All  the  books  ! '  sighed  the  orator  Eothman. 

*  All  the  gold  and  silver ! '  sighed  the  worthy 
Kippenbrock,  after  him,  involuntarily  raising  his 
hand  to  his  head,  as  if  for  the  purpose  of  scratching 


THE      ANABAPTIST.  219 

it,  but  recollecting  in  season  that  this  movement  was 
rather  unseemly  for  a  new  burgomaster,  he  quickly- 
let  it  fall  again. 

'  The  Lord  wills  it,  and  his  servants  must  be 
obedient,'  said  Knipperdolling  to  Kippenbrock.  *  Let 
the  commands  of  the  prophet  be  proclaimed,  my 
brother.  I  have  yet  much  to  do  with  recording  the 
estates  of  the  exiles,  which  have  become  forfeit  to 
the  community  ! ' 

He  departed,  and  Rothman  followed  him.  '  All 
the  gold  and  silver  ! '  repeated  the  elder  Kippenbrock 
sorrowfully,  yet  once  more,  and  he  went  after  them. 

'  God  forgive  me  if  this  feeling  be  a  sin,'  cried 
Alf,  when  he  saw  himself  alone  ;  '  but  these  prophets 
appear  horrible  to  me,  and  I  shall  never  be  able  to 
reconcile  my  heart  to  them.' 


CHAPTER    III. 


Some  days  passed  away ;  during  which  Alf,  without 
troubling  himself  much  about  the  disturbances  of  the 
city,  labored  unweariedly  in  the  workshop  of  the 
deceased  Trutlinger,  which  in  these  times  gave  him 
an  immense  deal  to  do.  He  was  animated  by  the 
idea  of  working  and  accumulating  for  the  beauteous 
dark-haired  Eliza  ;  and  although  he  could  not  gain 
any  decided  token  of  favor  from  the  haughty  girl,  the 
friendly  glances,  which  she  now  and  then  bestowed 
upon  him,  were  sufficient  to  keep  the  flame  of  love 
always  brightly  burning  at  his  heart ;  and  the  poor 
Clara,  Avhose  eyes  ventured  towards  him  when  she 
thought  herself  unobserved,  became  wholly  over- 
looked, as  usually  happens  to  the  modest  violet  in 
the  neighborhood  of  the  queenly  rose. 

One  day  the  wild  rattling  of  the  drums  called  all 
who  could  bear  arms  to  the  market  place.  Obedient 
to  the  call,  Alf  equipped  himself  and  his  journeymen 
from  the  military  stock  of  his  workshop,  and  they 
were  all  standing  in  polished  casques  and  coats  of 
mail,  well  armed  with  swords  and  halberds,  when 
Trutlinger's  two  nieces  entered  the  shop. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  221 

'  You  are  going  forth  to  battle,  Kippenbrock  ! '  said 
Eliza,  pressing  his  hand  for  the  first  time  with  the 
kindest  aifability, — whilst  Clara  remained  silently 
and  sadly  standing  at  a  distance. 

'  And  with  a  right  good  will,  dear  maiden,'  an- 
swered Alf,  tenderly,  *  if  your  kind  wishes  accom- 
pany the  new  warrior  upon  his  first  expedition.' 

'  You  go  to  the  field  of  battle  for  the  Word ! ' 
exclaimed  Eliza  with  enthusiasm  ;  *  the  Holy  Spirit  is 
with  you  and  you  must  conquer.' 

'  Be  careful  of  your  life  ! '  whispered  the  timorous 
Clara,  scarcely  audible,  and  Alf  hastened  forth  with 
his  companions. 

The  place  of  rendezvous,  before  St.  Lambert's 
church,  was  already  crowded  by  the  people  of  Mun- 
ster,  collected  in  compliance  with  various  commands 
from  their  prophets.  Here,  a  great  fire  which  was 
consuming  the  doomed  books  of  the  city,  blazed  to 
the  heavens,  —  there,  stood  two  of  Munster's  deacons 
for  the  reception  of  the  jewels  of  the  citizens;  two 
female  diviners,  well  acquainted  with  the  jewels  of 
the  city,  had  the  oversight  of  the  business,  and  ac- 
cused every  one  who  endeavored  to  keep  back  any 
thing.  Many  a  pearl,  from  beauteous  eyes,  silently 
bedewed  the  costly  trinkets  which  were  compulsorily 
brought  as  offerings  to  the  spirit. 

Meantime  the  military  power  of  the  anabaptists 
had  assembled  at  the  rendezvous,  and  now  appeared 
Matthias  in  his  dark  hair-cloth  robe.  In  his  hand  he 
19* 


222  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

held  the  spear  still  clotted  with  the  unhappy  Triu- 
linger's  blood,  and  his  mouth  was  foaming  with  rage. 

At  his  nod  the  armed  men  closed  in  a  circle  around 
him. 

'  That  true  son  of  anti-christ,'  roared  he,  '  that 
reprobate  priest  of  Baal,  who  once  tyrannically  ruled 
over  the  free  burghers  of  this  cit}',  the  bishop, 
with  his  mercenary  troops,  comes  against  you.  He 
has  already  stretched  his  camp  all  about  the  city ; 
and  if  we  give  him  time  to  perfect  his  entrenchments, 
the  cowards,  who  dare  not  meet  us  man  to  man,  may 
conquer  us  at  last  through  hunger,  "^^^herefore  thus 
speaks  the  spirit :  '  Arise,  Matthias,  gird  on  thy  sword, 
take  with  thee  five  hundred  men  from  out  the  con- 
gregation, go  forth  and  destroy  the  ungodly  whom 
I  have  this  day  given  into  thy  hand.'  Arise,  then, 
my  brethren  I  "Whoever  is  truly  devoted  to  our  holy 
cause,  whoever  is  determined  never  again  to  bend 
his  neck  under  the  iron  yoke,  which  we  have  just 
thrown  off,  let  him  step  forth  from  the  congregation  ; 
the  Lord  has  chosen  him  for  his  champion,  and  the 
host  of  the  enemy  shall  be  scattered  before  his  arm 
like  chaff  before  the  wind.     Amen.' 

During  this  speech  Alf  was  suffering  a  severe 
mental  conflict.  Too  readily  would  he  once  have 
measured  himself  with  the  episcopalians,  whom  in 
his  fanaticism  he  fiercely  hated  ;  and  nevertheless  he 
had  a  decided  aversion  to  the  prophet  under  whom 
he  must  fight.     He  was  finally  decided  by  the  hope 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  223 

of  the  reception  which  he  should  meet  with  from 
the  fair  Eliza,  returning  home  a  conqueror  ;  and,  as 
the  amen  of  the  prophet  was  heard,  he  stepped  forth 
into  the  centre  of  the  circle.  His  journeymen  and  all 
those  who  were  armorers  by  trade  followed  him. 
To  these  were  joined  the  other  workers  in  iron,  from 
connection  in  business.  The  butchers  attached  them- 
selves to  the  nephew  of  their  chief;  and,  this  example 
being  actively  imitated,  the  number  of  five  hundred 
volunteers  was  soon  more  than  complete  and  ready 
for  the  field. 

'  Thou  wast  the  first  to  step  forth,'  said  Matthias 
to  Alf ;  '  therefore  be  thou  the  first  in  the  army,  after 
me,  and  lead  it  on  as  my  general.' 

The  orator  Rothman  then  embraced  the  youth, 
saying :  '  Thou  shouldst  surely  this  day  be  taken  up 
into  our  band  through  the  holy  baptism — but  now, 
proceed  to  the  greater  business  to  which  the  Lord 
hath  called  thee  ; — and  shouldst  thou  even  fall  in  the 
field  in  the  cause  of  God,  so  wilt  thou  win  the  baptism 
of  blood,  which  is  still  more  efficacious  for  the  remis- 
sion of  sin,  according  to  the  doctrines  of  the  oldest 
church.' 

'  Come  holy  spirit,  O  Lord  God  ! '  sang  Matthias, 
the  whole  multitude  joining  him  in  chorus ;  and 
brandishing  his  spear,  singing  with  a  louder  voice, 
with  uncovered  head,  and  without  protective  armor, 
the  prophet  led  to  the  gates.  Alf  followed  him  with 
the  singing  host.  No  sooner  had  they  left  the  last 
outworks  behind  them,  than  they  were  met  by  a  por- 


224        TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

tion  of  the  enemy's  forces,  who  were  making  an 
attempt  to  win  the  city  by  surprise.  The  episcopalians 
were  not  a  little  startled  when  they  perceived  so  stout 
a  band,  which,  in  consequence  of  the  shining  mail  of 
the  armorers  in  the  front  ranks,  seemed  to  them 
extremely  well  accoutred. 

'  Now  ask  we  the  Holy  Spirit ! '  exclaimed  Matthias, 
commencing  anew  the  harsh  chant,  in  which  his  troops 
joyfully  joined.  The  prophet  plunged,  singing,  spear 
in  hand,  into  the  enemy's  ranks.  Near  him  fought 
Alf,  who,  more  than  true  to  the  duty  he  had  under- 
taken, made  of  his  armor  a  shield  for  the  protection 
of  the  defenceless  body  of  the  prophet.  The  troops, 
all  singing,  followed  them  with  the  impetuosity  of 
fanaticism.  The  episcopalian  mercenaries,  frightened 
by  the  furious  assault,  (and  not,  like  their  opponents, 
inspired  with  a  contempt  for  death,)  made  a  feeble 
resistance,  soon  gave  ground,  and  finally  fled  with 
winged  feet  back  to  their  camp. 

'  The  Spirit  has  heard  us,  brethren  ! '  cried  Matthias. 
'  Let  us  now  startle  the  crimson,  seven  headed  animal, 
whose  name  is  full  of  blasphemy,  from  his  den.  Let 
us  hurl  down  the  great  Babylon  from  its  golden  sad- 
dle,— that  they  both  may  fall  into  the  fiery  lake  which 
burns  with  brimstone.  On,  on,  on  I '  and,  commencing 
the  death  song  that,  under  the  command  of  Munzer 
and  Metzler,  had  before  inflamed  the  unfortunate 
German  peasants  to  the  most  furious  war  of  extermi- 
nation, the  prophet  pursued  the  flying  episcopalians. 
^  On,  on,  on  ! '  he  roared  incessantly,  his  spear  dripping 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  225 

with  the  blood  of  the  cowards  who  gave  themselves 
up  to  slaughter  rather  than  fight.  '  On,  on,  on  ! '  sung 
the  troops,  who  followed  him  in  quick  step,  and  the 
victors  soon  stood  before  the  fortified  camp,  behind 
which  the  armed  episcopalians  were  crowded. 

'  Yield  or  die  ! '  cried  Alf,  in  whom  the  battle  had 
kindled  the  warrior's  enthusiasm, — and,  rushing,  to 
the  barrier,  he  surmounted  all  obstacles,  and  stood 
upon  the  wall,  where  his  halberd  became  like  the 
scythe  of  the  angel  of  death  to  the  besieged.  Incited, 
unceasingly,  by  Matthias,  the  crowd  followed  him  as 
the  defenders  were  driven  back,  and  the  anabaptists 
penetrated  deep  into  their  camp,  until  they  reached 
the  place  where  the  banner  of  the  church  waved  over 
a  richly  decorated  tent. 

'  That  is  the  hold  of  anti-christ ! '  cried  Matthias, 
rushing  into  the  tent,  while  Alf  drove  the  enemy 
wholly  out  of  the  camp.  As  he  returned  from  the 
pursuit,  he  heard  a  mournful  cry  in  the  bishop's  tent. 
Pushing  in,  he  saw  the  prophet  pitilessly  raging 
among  the  defenceless  domestics  of  the  runaway 
bishop.  Many  dead  bodies  were  already  stretched 
upon  the  ground,  and  two  beautiful  pages  were 
kneeling  with  closed  eyes,  before  the  monster,  about 
to  receive  the  death  blow. 

Alf  forcibly  seized  the  uplifted  spear.  '  Thou  hast 
appointed  me  to  be  the  leader  of  the  forces,  brother 
Matthias,'  said  he,  earnestly,  *  and  I  dare  not  allow 
that  thou  shouldst  give  my  troops  an  evil  example  by 
the  murder  of  these   defenceless  boys,  whom  we  had 


226  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

better  take  prisoners  and  keep  as  hostages,  preparing 
their  souls  for  heaven  through  our  holy  baptism. 
Besides,  we  have  not  a  moment  to  lose.  The  flying 
men  have  carried  the  alarm  to  the  other  camp,  and 
new  multitudes  will  soon  be  thronging  here  to  oppose 
us.  Let  us  therefore  return  to  Munster  while  we 
can  convey  the  booty  there  in  safety.' 

'  Thou  art  right,  brother  ! '  cried  the  prophet,  sub- 
dued by  the  boldness  and  decision  of  the  youth. 
'  Thou  understandest  the  business  of  war.  We  will 
forth.  Let  our  people  be  called  together.  This 
young  dragon's-brood,  however,  we  will  take  with 
us,  and  thou  shalt  be  answerable  for  them  with  thy 
head.  I  will  baptise  them  myself  to-morrow  morning 
before  all  the  people.' 

The  drums  called  the  plundering  anabaptists  to- 
gether. The  host  retreated  to  the  city,  laden  with 
rich  booty,  and  the  bishop's  troops,  who  had  hastened 
to  the  assistance  of  the  assailed  quarter  of  the  en- 
campment, came  just  in  time  to  see  the  rejoicing 
anabaptists  reentering  the  gates  of  Munster. 


CHAPTER    IV. 


A  COUNTLESS  multitude  exultingly  met  the  return- 
ing victors.  The  prophet  Johannes  Bockhold  at  their 
head,  in  white  festival  garments,  with  green  branches 
of  fir  in  their  hands,  the  maidens  of  the  city  sang 
to  them  in  loud,  joyful  hosannas.  It  pleased  the 
gallant,  good  humored  Alf  uncommonly  well  to 
receive  praise  from  such  beautiful  lips.  As  he  re- 
flected, however,  that  this  song  of  praise  was  intended 
as  much  for  Matthias  as  for  himself,  there  came  over 
Alf  a  silent  vexation,  instead  of  the  pleasure  of 
flattered  vanity,  and  he  strode  on  gloomily  in  front  of 
his  troops.  The  army  halted  upon  the  market  place, 
and  the  booty,  being  common  property,  was  secured 
in  St.  Lambert's  church ;  the  two  pages  were  given 
over  to  the  orator  Eothman,  preparatory  to  their 
baptism  ;  the  soldiers  having  been  praised  and  dis- 
missed, and  the  evening  having  already  approached, 
Alf  with  his  surviving  journeymen,  half  their  number 
having  fallen  either  in  the  first  battle  or  in  the  storm- 
ing of  the  camp,  proceeded  toward  Trutlinger's 
house. 


228  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

As  he  approached  the  house  door,  which  was 
surmounted  by  a  triumphal  arch  covered  with  pine 
boughs,  he  was  met  b\'  the  bewitching  smiles  of 
the  beautiful  Eliza,  who  was  still  clad  in  her  white 
festival  garments. 

'  Welcome  from  battle  and  victory,  brave  soldier 
of  the  Spirit  I '  cried  she  ;  and,  casting  aside  all 
maidenly  bashfulness  and  constraint,  she  spread  wide 
her  arms  toward  the  youth. 

*  Dear  maiden!'  stammered  he,  most  agreeably 
surprised  by  this  second  and  dearest  triumph.  He 
pressed  the  charming  girl  to  his  mailed  bosom,  when, 
notwithstanding  his  unaccommodating  helmet,  they 
sought  and  found  each  other's  lips,  and  united  them 
with  the  double  glow  of  fanaticism  and  sensuality, 
which  both  in  their  blindness  mistook  for  the  fire  of 
pure  love. 

At  that  moment  out  stepped  from  the  parlor  door  a 
little,  withered,  yellow  man,  whose  tattered  garments 
were  covered  by  a  ragged  black  mantle.  With 
friendly  simpers  he  squinted  out  of  his  little,  gray, 
malicious  eyes  upon  the  pair,  and  then,  stretching 
his  meager,  death-like  hand  towards  Alf,  cried  with 
a  hoarse  howl,  '  Thee  have  I  this  day  seen  in  my 
dreams,  brother,  contending  and  conquering  in  God's 
cause,  and  lo  I  my  eyes  have  verified  it,  and  the 
Lord  has  achieved  great  things  through  thee,  his 
servant.  Wherefore  be  glad,  because  God  has  chosen 
thee  for  yet  greater  things,  and  through  thee  shall 
his  name  become  o-lorified  in  Zion  I ' 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  229 

The  little  hobgoblin  with  ridiculous  pomposity  then 
strode  out  of  the  house.  Alf  looked  after  him  with 
his  hand  over  his  forehead,  and  said,  'sometimes, 
though  in  my  native  city,  it  appears  to  me  as  if  I 
were  in  a  residence  of  madmen,  where  all  the  fools 
go  at  large.     Who  was  that  strange  man  ?  ' 

*  John  Tuiskoshirer,'  answered  Eliza,  reprovingly, 
'  an  impoverished  goldsmith  ;  but  a  great  man  since 
the  spirit  has  come  upon  him.  Often,  already,  has 
he  edified  the  public  by  his  elevated  discourses  and 
divine  prophecies  ;  and,  next  to  our  great  Matthias 
and  Johannes,  he  is  now  the  first  prophet  in  Munster.' 

*  Good  God  !  what  a  multitude  of  prophets,'  sighed 
Alf ;  and  by  this  time  Eliza  had  led  him  into  the 
room. 

Behind  a  table  illuminated  with  wax  tapers  and 
decorated  as  for  a  festival,  sat  the  fair  Clara.  Her 
loose  golden  locks  flowed  down  over  her  white  gala 
dress.  Her  right  arm  supported  her  pale,  sad  face, 
and  bright  tears  were  falling  from  her  eyes  upon  her 
white  bosom. 

*  Do  you  not  bid  me  w^elcome,  lovely  little  Clara  ? ' 
Alf  kindly  asked  of  the  sorrowing  girl.  '  Do  you 
celebrate  our  victory  with  such  bitter  tears  ? ' 

Clara  lifted  up  her  eyes  toward  the  youth  with 
gentle  sorrow.  '  Be  not  angry  with  me  for  it,  dear 
Alf,'  she  begged  in  a  soft,  subdued  tone  ;  '  every 
drop  of  blood  shed  in  this  unhappy  war  of  opinion, 
falls  envenomed  upon  my  heart.  Never  shall  I  lose 
the  remembrance  of  my  poor  uncle.  He  also  was 
20 


230  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

butchered  for  the  new  faith,  of  which  I  do  not  yet 
rightly  understand  whether  it  is  the  genuine  worship 
of  God,  or  a  hellish  sacrifice.' 

*  Leave  the  foolish  girl ! '  cried  Eliza,  handing  a 
goblet  to  Alf.  *  Her  spirit  is  not  yet  born  again  to 
the  light.  She  still  lies  bound  in  the  chains  of  dark- 
ness. She  is  not  able  to  offer  every  feeling  joyfully 
upon  the  altar  of  the  holy  God.' 

*  May  He  preserve  me  from  such  joy  ! '  sighed 
Clara,  almost  inaudibly ;  and  Eliza  with  a  quick 
warm  pressure  of  the  hand  drew  the  youth  upon 
a  seat  near  herself.  His  fellow  soldiers  seated 
themselves  opposite  the  beautiful  couple,  and  the 
ceremonies  of  the  repast  began.  With  the  pleasing 
narration  of  the  conquering  warriors  and  the  sweeter 
praises  of  the  fair  Eliza,  the  generous  Rhenish  of  old 
Trutlinger  glided  swiftly  and  deliciously  down,  and 
gradually  extinguished  in  Alf  all  thoughts  of  the 
movements  in  Munster,  which  his  right  worthy  head 
and  heart  had  from  time  to  time  obtruded  upon  him. 
Deeper  glowed  the  flush  upon  the  blooming  faces  of 
the  youth  and  maiden  ;  constantly  brisker  and  more 
radiantly  moved  their  eyes  ;  wuth  constantly  increas- 
ing: warmth  were  their  kisses  o^iven  and  received. 
The  journeymen,  rejected  by  the  grieving  Clara, 
could  only  keep  to  the  goblet,  until,  overcome  by 
Bacchus,  they  staggered  one  after  the  other  to  their 
places  of  rest.  Alf  and  Eliza  remained  quietly  sitting 
at  table,  as  much  occupied  with  each  other  as  if 
there  had  been  nobody  else  in  the  world.     Leaning 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  231 

sadly  upon  her  arm,  Clara  looked  through  her  tears 
upon  the  happy  pair.  Now  and  then  a  half  sup- 
pressed sigh  stole  from  her  bosom,  and  she  then 
placed  her  hand  upon  her  heart  as  if  she  felt  a 
sudden  pain  there.  Already  had  the  second  hour 
after  midnight  struck  upon  St.  Lambert's  tower. 
Finall}^  Clara  rose  from  her  seat,  took  one  of  the 
low-burnt  tapers  from  the  table,  and  remarked  with 
assumed  tranquillity,  '  it  is  late,  and  I  am  now  going 
to  bed,  —  wilt  thou  not  go  with  m.e,  sister  V 

No  answer  came,  and  the  poor  maiden  sorrowfully 
retired  to  her  own  sleeping  room. 


CHAPTER    V. 


Early  in  the  morning  Clara  was  awakened  by  a 
disturbance  in  the  street  and  came  from  her  chamber, 
when  she  saw  the  couple  still  there.  She  hastily 
disappeared  with  an  exclamation  of  alarm  and  grief. 

'  That  must  have  been  my  sister ! '  cried  Eliza, 
starting  up  with  terror,  her  dark  locks  breaking  loose 
from  the  band  which  had  confined  them. 

'  Be  not  alarmed  my  beloved,'  said  Alf  with  sweet- 
ly soothing  tones.  '  Immediately  after  my  baptism 
brother  Eothman  shall  bless  our  union,  and  our 
weakness  will  meet  with  mild  judgment  from  the 
spirit  of  mercy  which  rules  over  the  new  Zion.' 

*  I  will  so  explain  the  matter  to  that  foolish  girl,' 
cried  Eliza,  eagerly — '  that  she  may  not  again  offend 
me  by  her  cold  insufferable  silence,  her  customary 
weapon  when  w^e  occasionally  disagree.  She  may 
censure  and  envy,  but  she  shall  respect  me  even  in 
my  aberration.' 

She  hastened  to  her  chamber,  while  Alf  prepared 
to  go  about  his  daily  pursuits  in  the  workshop.  He 
was  met  at  the  door  by  his  fellow  wanderer  the  tailor. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  233 

'  What  have  I  prophesied  ? '  asked  the  latter,  un- 
ceremoniously seating  himself  at  the  table  which 
remained  as  it  had  been  prepared  the  previous  even- 
ing. '  What  have  I  prophesied  ? '  he  asked  again, 
helping  himself  to  a  large  slice  of  the  gammon  of 
bacon  which  he  found  opposite  him  upon  the  table. 
Then,  pouring  out  a  goblet  of  wine  from  the  bottle 
and  swallowing  it,  he  a  third  time  asked,  '  what 
have  I  prophesied  ?  ' 

*  The  devil  only  knows  ! '  cried  Alf,  impatiently. 
'  There  are  so  many  prophecies  in  Munster  that  my 
head  has  already  become  wholly  confused  by  them.' 

'  I  have  foretold,'  said  the  tailor,  with  pathos,  '  that 
my  beloved  friend  and  brother,  the  prophet  Johannes 
Bockhold,  would  one  day  become  a  great  man  in  the 
world.  You  would  not  believe  it,  because  in  the 
pride  of  your  big  fist,  you  could  not  be  brought  to 
entertain  a  good  opinion  of  a  tailor.  And  now  a 
tailor  has  become  your  master  and  sovereign  ;  lord 
over  your  life  and  death.' 

'  You  have  got  into  your  cups  early,'  growled 
Alf,  '  and  now  being  drunk,  you  make  me  lose  the 
precious  morning  hours  with  your  miserable  fables.' 

'  What  I  say  is  true,'  muttered  the  tailor  through 
his  stuffed  cheeks  ;  *  and  it  is  you  who  are  mad  and 
foolish.  Only  hear  how  cleverly  every  thing  has 
been  brought  about.  This  morning  by  day-break, 
while  you  were  indolently  sleeping,  the  prophet 
Matthias  called  all  the  people  to  the  market.  He 
there  declared  to  them  that  he  would  go  forth  with 
20^ 


234  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

a  handful  of  people,  like  Gideon,  and  slay  the  host 
of  the  ungodly.  He  called  and  took  with  him  to  the 
bishop's  camp,  only  thirty  men.  I  know  not  whether 
he  had  not  asked  of  the  Spirit  aright,  or  whether  the 
Spirit  did  not  answer  him  rightly :  to  be  brief,  a 
slaughter  did  indeed  follow,  —  not  of  the  host  of  the 
ungodly,  but  of  the  good  Gideon  and  his  thirty  men  ; 
not  a  man  of  them  escaped.  As  I  afterwards  went 
to  the  market  place,  a  mournful  wailing  sounded  in 
my  ears.  The  people  were  beside  themselves,  to 
think  that  they  had  lost  their  ruler  in  so  shameful  a 
manner  ;  and  here  and  there  some  fools  maintained, 
that  the  great  Matthias  must  have  misinterpreted  the 
Spirit  in  this  affair.  Then  the  still  greater  Johannes 
Bockhold  stepped  forward,  and  spoke  to  the  multi- 
tude. God  !  what  words  did  this  man  use  to  calm, 
console,  and  elevate  the  people  I  He  had  known 
the  death  of  Matthias  beforehand.  He  had  seen  in 
the  spirit  that  that  great  prophet  must  fall,  a  second 
Maccabeus,  fighting  for  the  people.  Thence  we 
directly  perceived  that  all  was  in  order,  that  it  could 
by  no  means  be  otherwise,  and  we  were  content. 
Then,  upon  the  market-place,  we  called  the  preacher 
of  consolation  to  be  our  chief  ruler,  —  and  he  already 
commands  in  such  a  way  that  it  is  a  pleasure  to  see 
him,  —  he  has  a  wilder  and  more  lordly  manner 
than  his  predecessor  Matthias.  His  maxim  is  —  that 
the  high  shall  be  brought  down,  and  the  lowly 
shall  be  exalted.  Consequently  Ave  shall  destroy  the 
churches    and  make  them    level  with   the    earth,  — 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  235 

because  they  are  the  highest  buildings  in  the  city. 
It  will  be  a  little  tedious,  and  we  also  need  stout 
arms  for  the  defence  of  the  walls  ;  we  shall,  there- 
fore, for  the  present  only  plunder  the  churches  a 
little,  until  we  have  leisure  for  their  complete  de- 
molition.' 

*  The  churches  also  to  be  destro3"ed  ! '  sighed  Alf, 
'  must  that  also  be  ?  it  is  most  horrible  !  ^ 

Meanwhile  a  wild  popular  tumult  arose  out  of 
doors.  Both  hastened  to  the  window.  A  great 
multitude  of  the  populace  ran  by,  shouting  incohe- 
rently. They  were  followed  by  a  naked  man,  who 
came  leaping  forward  as  if  impelled  by  a  demon, 
and  who,  with  foaming  mouth  and  strange  bodily 
contortions,  incessantly  bawled,  '  the  King  of  Zion 
comes  I '  Thus  vociferating,  he  passed  rapidly  by. 
'  The  King  of  Zion  comes  ! '  cried  the  mob  who 
followed  him ;  and  Alf,  disgusted  with  such  indecent 
madness,  withdrew  from  the  window. 

'  Who  was  that  madman  V  asked  he  of  the  tailor, 
after  a  moment's  pause. 

'  Did  you  not  know  him  ? '  asked  the  tailor  in 
return.  '  That  was  oar  highest  prophet,  Johannes 
Bockhold  himself.  The  spirit  has  come  over  him. 
I  must  follow  and  see  what  further  he  will  do.' 

He  went ;  and  Alf,  in  fearful  dubitation  said  to 
himself,  '  by  such  a  chief  is  Munster  to  be  governed  ! 
It  will  not  and  it  cannot  come  to  good.' 


CHAPTER    VI. 


This  last  specimen  of  fanatical  rage  had  made 
such  a  decided  impression  upon  the  good  Alf,  that  he 
no  longer  felt  any  special  desire  for  that  baptism 
which  was  to  complete  his  spiritual  union  with  the 
great  prophet ;  and  as,  notwithstanding  his  adherence 
to  the  new  doctrines,  he  began  to  feel  a  secret  loath- 
ing of  the  unceasing  exhortations,  revelations  and 
prophecies,  by  means  of  which  the  people  were  kept  in 
such  a  constant  ferment,  he  devoted  himself  to  assid- 
uous labor  for  arming  the  defences  of  the  city,  and 
under  this  excuse  withdrew  himself  from  the  public 
meetings  of  the  populace  which  were  daily  drummed 
together. 

For  a  time  his  attention  was  entirely  absorbed  by 
his  workshop  and  his  Eliza,  whose  wild  tenderness 
steeped  his  youthful  senses  in  a  sea  of  pleasure,  such 
as  he  had  never  before  dreamed  of.  Clara  in  her 
quiet,  patient  way,  observed  the  happiness  of  the 
lovers,  who  placed  no  restraint  upon  themselves  on 
her  account ;  and  the  only  discoverable  effect  it  pro- 
duced on  her  was,  that  she  became  every  day  paler 
and  more  fragile. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  237 

This  was  perceived  by  the  kind-hearted  Alf,  and  as 
he  happened  to  find  the  good  child  on  one  occasion 
alone  in  her  sitting  room,  engaged  at  her  distaff,  he 
seated  himself  beside  her  in  a  familiar  manner  and, 
pressing  her  hand,  asked  her,  *  what  ails  thee,  my 
good  sister  ? ' 

'  Ah  !  call  me  not  so,  Kippenbrock,'  said  Clara, 
sorrowfully ;  and  gently  withdrew  her  hand. 

*  Wherefore  not  ? '  cried  Alf,  surprised.  '  May  I 
not  call  thee  sister,  as  thy  brother  in  the  faith,  and  as 
the  future  husband  of  the  dear  Eliza  ? ' 

The  maiden  raised  her  tearful  eyes  to  Him  on  high. 
*  You  pierce  my  wounded  heart,'  said  she,  *  but  you 
do  not  know  the  pain  you  inflict,  and  therefore  do  I 
right  willingly  forgive  you.' 

'  Again  I  do  not  understand  you,'  said  Alf.  *  I  see 
you  always  sorrowful,  and  I  can  endure  it  no  longer. 
I  feel  myself  so  happy  with  your  sister,  that  I  desire 
to  render  all  about  me  as  happy  as  myself.  There- 
fore confide  in  me,  good  maiden,  and  take  my  word 
for  it,  I  will  do  everything  in  my  power  to  mitigate 
your  sorrow.' 

'  /  confide  in  you !  in  you  ! '  cried  Clara,  rising  and 
attempting  to  retire. 

The  stout  youth  held  her  fast  in  his  arms.  ^  No,' 
said  he,  '  beloved  Clara,  I  will  not  let  you  go  until 
you  have  opened  your  heart  to  me.  By  the  holy  God, 
mine  is  well  disposed  toward  you.' 

At  that  moment  the  door  opened,  and  the  detesta- 
ble Tuiskoshirer,  closely  wrapped  in  his  tattered 
mantle,  walked  in. 


238  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  My  God  ! '  shrieked  Clara,  as  she  caught  a  glimpse 
of  him,  and  violently  disengaging  herself  from  Alf's 
arms,  she  sprang  out  of  the  room. 

With  a  smirk  upon  his  lips,  which  he  seemed  to 
have  borrowed  from  a  monkey,  the  little  man  followed 
her  with  his  eyes  until  she  disappeared  —  then,  step- 
ping solemnly  in  front  of  Alf,  called  to  him  in  a 
hoarse,  howling  voice,  '  art  thou  willing  to  become 
king  of  Zion,  brother  ? ' 

*  I  king  of  Zion  ? '  asked  Alf  in  return,  with  the 
greatest  astonishment.     '  How  can  such  a  thing  be  ? ' 

*  I  ask  thee,'  howled  Tuiskoshirer,  '  if  thou  wilt  be 
king  over  the  new  Zion,  formerly  under  the  anti-christ, 
called  Munster  ? ' 

'  I  rule  over  this  same  Munster  as  its  chief  magis- 
trate ? '  cried  Alf,  laughing.  'That  is  a  w^onderful 
proposition,  and  besides,  it  appears  to  me  as  if  we 
were  not  the  men  to  accomplish  it.' 

'  Short  sighted  man  !'  growled  Tuiskoshirer, 
'  knowest  thou  not  that  the  first  shall  be  last  and  the 
last  shall  be  first  ?  We  are  all  clay  in  the  hands  of 
the  Potter.  The  Spirit  has  just  seated  himself  near 
the  board  in  order  to  make  a  king.  To  that  eminence 
will  I  raise  thee  up  ;  for  thou  art  a  brave  warrior, 
and  moreover  a  handsome  youth,  and  wilt  administer 
the  government  with  power  and  mildness,  for  the 
w^elfare  of  all.' 

'  Ah  !  do  not  propose  such  pranks  to  me,'  said  Alf. 
'  You  have  others  more  suitable  for  that  office  than  I ; 
and  besides,  Johannes  Bockhold  w^ould  make  a  pow- 
erful opposition  to  my  mountinor  the  throne.' 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  239 

'  Johannes  Bockhold,'  answered  Tuiskoshirer,  *  is  a 
feather  in  the  breath  of  my  mouth.  He  has  indeed 
thought  of  announcing  himself  as  the  new  king  of 
this  city,  yet  shall  have  only  served  you,  if  you  will 
but  accept  the  sceptre.  I  have  seen  through  the 
prophet's  character  ;  he  has  much  madness,  yet  little 
courage,  and  we  need  a  consummate  man  upon  this 
iron  throne.' 

'  Are  you  wholly  in  earnest  in  making  these  propo- 
sitions ? '  asked  Alf.  *  Then  I  must  indeed  answer  in 
earnest.  I  do  not  feel  myself  fit  to  govern  a  nation 
and  people,  nor  to  take  upon  myself  an  office  for 
which  I  have  not  been  prepared,  —  from  which  may 
God  mercifully  preserve  me  ! ' 

'  Fool ! '  cried  Tuiskoshirer  ;  *  ruling  is  as  light  and 
easy  as  it  is  pleasant.' 

'  Yet  heavy  and  severe  is  the  reckoning  above  for 
bad  government,'  replied  Alf.  '  No,  seek  thee  anoth- 
er king.' 

Tuiskoshirer  then  flung  open  his  tattered  mantle, 
and  drew  from  under  its  folds  a  magnificent  regal 
crown,  ingeniously  formed  of  fine  gold,  and  splendid- 
ly radiant  with  diamonds,  rubies,  emeralds  and  sap- 
phires, and,  as  he  turned  and  waved  it  here  and 
there  in  the  sunlight,  the  golden  and  colored  sparkles 
played  so  gaily  about  the  room,  that  Alf  was  compell- 
ed to  turn  away  his  blinded  eyes. 

'  In  this  crown  is  placed  all  my  earthly  wealth,' 
said  Tuiskoshirer,  pathetically.  '  Ingeniously  have  I 
made  it,  during  the  stillness  of  the  night,  as  an  offer- 


240  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN.. 

ing  for  the  Spirit,  that  he  therewith  might  crown  the 
new  king  of  Zion.  Thee  have  I  selected  therefor, 
from  among  a  thousand.  Do  you  but  consent,  and 
I  will  set  this  emblem  of  royalty  upon  your  head,  and 
with  God's  help  I  will  maintain  it  there.' 

The  youth  looked  at  the  beautiful  crown  for  a 
moment,  and  its  golden  lustre  seemed  to  awaken  his 
ambition  ;  but  his  better  self  soon  conquered. 
'  Leave  me,  tempter  I'  cried  he  with  vehemence,  and 
forcibly  replacing  the  bauble  under  the  prophet's 
mantle,  he  dexterously  pushed  him  out  through  the 
door. 

'  You  will  repent  of  this,'  howled  the  little  man  as 
he  disappeared. 


CHAPTER    VII. 


'  The  duodecemvir,  Dilbek,  would  speak  with  you,' 
announced  an  apprentice  to  the  industrious  Alf  an 
hour  afterwards.  Surprised  at  the  visit  of  a  person 
whose  name  and  office  were  alike  unknown  to  him, 
he  repaired  to  the  parlor,  where,  in  respectable  black 
judicial  robes,  his  comical  fool's  face  peeping  above  a 
colossal  white  ruff,  and  his  diminutive  form  attached 
to  a  long  thrusting  sword,  strutted  before  him  the 
aerial  tailor. 

*  Knowing  that  you  would  feel  an  interest  in  my 
happiness,  my  good  fellow,'  (snarled  and  lisped  the 
new  duodecemvir,  in  an  incredibly  gentlemanlike 
manner,)  *  I  could  not  forbear  informing  you  in  person 
of  the  good  fortune  which  has  come  to  me  through 
the  mercy  of  the  Spirit.' 

'  What  means  this  masquerade  ? '  cried  Alf,  peev- 
ishly. '  Take  off  that  fool's  jacket  again  ;  it  does 
not  become  you,  upon  my  word.' 

'  Have  respect,  my  friend,'  said  Dilbek,  earnestly. 
'  Every  official  dress  confers  honor  upon  its  wearer, 
21 


242  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN, 

and  this  it  has  become  my  duty  to  wear,  as  one  of 
the  twelve  judges  over  Israel.' 

'  You  ?  you  become  a  judge  V  laughed  Alf.  '  Go 
and  seek  some  other  fool  to  believe  you.' 

'  You  are  and  always  will  be  an  unbelieving 
Thomas,'  cried  Dilbek  angrily  ;  '  and  doubt  every 
thing  that  you  cannot  feel  with  your  hands.  I  repeat 
to  you  that  I  have  even  now  come  from  the  market, 
where  the  people  have  established  the  new  tribunal.' 

*  And  the  mayor  and  aldermen,  who  governed  until 
now  ? '  asked  Alf 

'  Unseated,  all  unseated  !'  answered  the  tailor,  who 
stalked  about  the  room  examining  himself  '  Your 
kinsman  again  slays  his  cattle  and  his  swine  with  his 
own  hands  ;  and  the  good  Knipperdolling,  a  learned 
man,  and  therefore  not  able  to  turn  his  hand  to  any 
thing  useful,  has  become  the  official  hangman,  with 
which  the  poor  man  will  still  be  able  to  procure  a 
livelihood.' 

'  Good  God  ! '  exclaimed  Alf,  '  who  has  done  this  ? ' 

'  This  wise  transformation  of  our  government  pro- 
ceeds from  our  chief  prophet,'  answered  the  tailor- 
judge.  '  Since  he,  moved  by  the  Spirit,  ran  through 
the  streets  in  the  condition  of  holy  nature,  he  had  not 
spoken  a  word,  but  made  himself  understood  by  wri- 
ting ;  he  was  compelled  to  remain  mute  three  days. 
When  that  time  had  elapsed  he  declared  the  new 
commands  of  the  Spirit.  Yesterday  the  honorable 
counsellors  obediently  laid  down  their  offices,  and  to- 
day I  have  been  installed  with  my  lordly  colleagues.' 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  243 

'  God  preserve  my  reason  ! '  cried  Alf.  ^  By  these 
mad  movements  and  continual  changes,  I  incur  the 
danger  of  losing  it.' 

'  Only  be  patient,'  said  the  tailor  mysteriously. 
'  Better  things  will  come.  I  have  already  heard 
various  whispers.  Our  prophet  is  not  the  man  to 
stop  half  way.  Think  of  what  I  told  you  when  we 
were  traveling  to  Munster  ;  it  is  not  yet  the  end  of 
time  !  I  must  now  leave  you,  as  we  judges  are  invited 
to  a  feast  by  the  chief  prophet.  He  marries,  this 
day,  the  beautiful  widow  of  his  predecessor,  the  great 
Matthias.  Farewell  !  I  shall  always  remain  friendly 
to  you,  and  should  I  hereafter  rise  yet  higher  on  the 
scale  of  honor,  you  will  always  find  in  me  a  patron 
and  protector.' 

After  one  or  two  failures,  the  duodecemvir  finally 
succeeded  in  passing  himself  and  his  new  sword 
through  the  room  door. 

'  Surely  ! '  cried  Alf  impatiently,  '  if  this  tailor-spirit 
is  to  set  such  vagabonds  upon  the  judgment-seat  of 
my  native  city,  I  may  soon  repent  that  I  refused  the 
crown.  It  would  at  least  have  given  me  the  power 
to  hinder  many  acts  of  madness.' 


CHAPTER    VIII. 


Some  time  aftenvards,  Alf  was  sitting  arm  in  arm 
with  his  Eliza  in  the  family  sitting-room,  while  Clara 
was  spinning  near  the  window,  and  moistening  the 
thread  with  her  bitter  tears.  Suddenly  the  door  flew 
open,  and  in  clattered  a  stout  young  trooper,  who  ex- 
tended his  hand  to  Alf,  joyously  exclaiming,  *  God 
bless  you,  my  dear  school  fellow  I  Do  you  not  know 
me?' 

'  Hanslein  of  the  long  street  ! '  cried  Alf,  embracing 
the  friend  of  his  youth.     '  Welcome  to  Munster  I ' 

'  Hanslein  of  the  long  street  ? '  asked  the  beautiful 
Eliza,  with  surprise  and  displeasure.  '  How  is  this  ? 
were  you  not  an  episcopalian  ?  ' 

'  Certainly,'  answered  Hanslein,  '  with  body  and 
soul,  until  the  day  before  yesterday.  On  that  day  I 
got  into  a  quarrel  with  my  Serjeant  while  drinking 
with  him,  and  laid  my  blade  over  his  head  in  a  way 
that  he  will  not  easily  forget.  Life  is  as  dear  to  me 
as  to  any  other  man,  and  therefore  I  made  my  way 
out  of  the  bishop's  camp,  rode  over  to  yours,  and  now 
let  your  orator  but  once  more  wash  my  head,  and  I 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  245 


am  prepared  to  contend  bravely  with  my  old  brethren 
in  arms.' 

*  When  the  chief  prophet  holds  you  worthy  of 
being  received  into  our  community  ! '  sharply  observ- 
ed Eliza,  who  was  highly  offended  at  the  frivolous 
conversation  of  the  renegade. 

'  The  worthy  tailor  has  already  received  me  with 
open  arms,'  answered  Hanslein.  '  I  have  become 
captain  of  the  seventh  company,  and  am  quartered 
with  the  burgomaster-hangman  Knipperdolling,  where 
we  have  wine  and  women  in  abundance.' 

Eliza  rose  up  indignant,  and  silently  motioned  to 
Clara  to  follow  her.  The  latter  obeyed,  and  the  two 
friends  were  left  alone. 

'  A  pair  of  pretty  maidens  ! '  said  Hanslein,  looking 
admiringly  after  them  ;  '  and  you  are  indeed  a  lucky 
dog,  to  be  a  favorite  with  both.' 

'  I  am  the  promised  bridegroom  of  the  eldest,' 
answered  Alf,  '  and  know  my  duty.' 

*  An  anabaptist,  and  so  affectedly  coy  ? '  laughed 
the  hair-brained  fellow.  '  You  court  them  both  at  the 
same  time,  I'll  be  sworn  ;  and  should  any  one  attack 
you  on  that  account,  you  need  only  refer  to  the  exam- 
ple of  our  chief  prophet.' 

*  It  cannot  be  possible  ! '  exclaimed  Alf  with  abhor- 
rence. 

At  this  moment  Clara  stepped  into  the  room, 
placed  before  Alf  a  pitcher  of  wine  and  two  goblets, 
and  then  again  retired. 

Hanslein  observed  her  attentively,  and  said  as  she 
2P 


246  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 


went  out,  *  deny  no  longer,  you  rogue,  that  both  the 
maidens  are  yours.  I  found  you  in  the  arms  of  one 
of  them,  and  the  long,  tender  glance  which  the  other 
justgQow  threw  upon  you,  confesses  enough.' 

^  rtell  you  that  you  are  mistaken  ! '  cried  Alf  impa- 
tiently, filling  the  cups  to  the  brim  ;  '  leave  your 
joking,  and  join  me  in  drinking  success  to  our  good 
cause.' 

'  With  all  my  heart ! '  said  Hanslein,  striking  his  glass 
against  Alf 's,  and  then  pouring  down  the  wine  ;  '  al- 
though I  am  not  yet  quite  clear  as  to  exactly  where 
the  good  cause  is  to  be  found,  here,  or  in  the  camp  of 
our  old  master.  To  return  once  more  to  my  former 
theme,  you  render  life  needlessly  unpleasant  both  to 
yourself  and  to  the  poor  damsels.  You  would  do 
much  better  to  marry  them  both.' 

'  You  are  out  of  your  senses  ! '  exclaimed  Alf, 
angrily.  '  How  can  I  sin  against  the  command- 
ments of  God  ? ' 

'  First    point   out  to   me  one    passage   in  the   bible 

ich  prohibits  polygamy,'  said  Hanslein  ;  '  and  what 
"not  prohibited  is  allowed  I  The  old  beards,  the 
patriarchs,  always  indulged  themselves  in  that  way. 
To  be  sure,  when  the  wives  come  directly  in  each 
other's  way,  it  may  be  a  little  stormy  in  the  house,  as 
father  Abraham  learned  long  ago  to  his  sorrow  ;  but, 
after  all,  you  are  the  man  to  seize  and  hold  the  reins 
of  government  firmly,  and  to  interfere  decidedly,  if 
your  wives  should  show  a  disposition  to  kick  out  of 
the  traces.' 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  247 


Alf  could  not  refrain  from  laughing  at  the 'chatterer, 
and  finally  said,  *  I  know  not  how  you  came  by  the 
conceit  of  advocating  double  marriages,  but  to  a 
poacher  like  you,  I  should  suppose  it  would  be  pleas- 
anter  to  beat  up  game  in  the  preserves  of  others.' 

'  There  will  remain  enough  for  me  on  both  sides  of 
the  hedge,'  said  Hanslein  ;  *  and  a  handsome  young 
man  like  you  must  be  the  first  to  follow  any  new 
fashion,  especially  so  pleasant  a  one  as  this.' 

'  The  chief  prophet  might  disapprove  of  the  new 
fashion,'  said  Alf;  '  even  according  to  our  old  laws, 
there  is  a  heavy  penalty  against  polygamy.' 

'  The  chief  prophet  ! '  laughed  Hanslein.  '  The 
doctrine  which  I  have  just  now  been  preaching  to  you 
came  from  his  own  mouth.  How  else  could  I  have 
conversed  so  learnedly  upon  the  subject  ?' 

'  The  chief  prophet  !'  cried  Alf  in  amazement. 

*  Just  so,'  answered  Hanslein.  '  When  he  saw 
that  I  recognized  him,  he  beckoned  me  to  approach, 
and  presented  a  purse  of  ducats  to  me,  giving  me  at 
the  same  time  an  excellent  lecture  upon  the  duty  of 
every  christian  to  take  more  than  one  wife  ;  it  is  a 
prerogative,  said  he,  which  God  reserves  for  his  holy 
children  ;  aiid  he  intimated  his  determination  to 
explain  the  matter  to  the  community,  and  moreover 
that  he  would  himself  take  fifteen  wives,  on  account 
of  the  good  example  which  he  was  bound  to  set  the 
people.' 

'  This  can  never  prosper  ! '  thought  Alf,  shaking 
his  head. 


248  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

*  What  can  be  impossible  to  the  godly  tailor  ? ' 
exclaimed  Hanslein,  swallowing  the  last  glass. 
*  Farewell  brother !  I  must  now  to  the  parade,  and 
relieve  the  early  morning  watch.  When  I  am  at 
liberty,  if  you  should  indeed  conclude  to  marry  both 
of  the  damsels,  then  I  ask  it  as  a  particular  favor  that 
I  may  be  invited  to  the  marriage  feast.' 

He  bustled  forth  ;  but  Alf  remained  sitting  in  a 
melancholy  reverie.  '  Even  polygamy  is  now  encour- 
aged !'  sighed  he.  *  Every  good  old  moral  custom  is 
broken  !     How  must  it  end  ? ' 


CHAPTER    IX. 


At  the  new  gate,  where  the  river  Aa  empties  itself 
into  the  Ems,  Alf  had  his  watch  as  the  chosen  captain 
of  the  armorers.  It  was  already  deep  night  —  he 
lay  upon  his  field  bed,  and  the  images  of  Eliza  and 
Clara  were  floating  confusedly  before  his  half  closed 
eyes.  Suddenly  he  heard  the  burgher  sentinel  hail 
some  one,  and  immediately  afterwards  Hanslein 
stepped  into  the  officers'  quarters,  wrapped  in  a  mantle. 

'  What  brings  3^ou  here  so  late,  brother  ? '  asked 
Alf,  springing  up  in  astonishment. 

'  Mischief,  my  brother,'  whispered  Hanslein.  '  I 
come  in  the  name  of  the  chief  prophet.  First  of  all, 
get  your  men  quickly  and  quietly  under  arms,  and  let 
their  guns  be  carefully  loaded ;  double  all  the  guards, 
and  let  strong  patrols  be  sent  out.  The  city  is  in 
danger  from  without  and  within  I ' 

Alf  proceeded  silently  to  the  large  guardroom,  to 
execute  the  command ;  then,  returning  to  his  friend, 
he  eagerly  asked  him  the  cause  of  the  alarm. 

*  Polygamy,'  answered  Hanslein,  of  which  we  ex- 
amined the  pleasant  bearings  the  day  before  yester- 


250  TALES    FROM    THE    GERMAN. 

day  has  now  turned  out  confoundedly  serious.  Early 
this  morning  while  you  were  upon  guard,  the  prophet 
Johannes  Bockhold  caused  the  populace  to  be  drummed 
together  and  laid  the  hazardous  question  before  them. 
An  old  burgher,  who  might  already  have  had  domestic 
trouble  enough  at  home,  coldly  gave  his  opinion  that  the 
adoption  of  such  a  course  would  be  warring  against  the 
bible  and  against  all  Christendom.  Thereupon  Jo- 
hannes, who  cannot  bear  much  contradiction,  became 
furious,  caused  the  old  man  to  be  seized  on  the  spot, 
and  made,  by  the  aid  of  friend  Knipperdolling,  a 
head  shorter.  Such  a  mode  of  stating  the  counter 
argument  was  too  sudden  and  too  violent  for  the  people. 
They  laid  their  heads  together  here  and  there,  and 
a  number  of  malcontents  determined,  at  a  secret 
meeting,  to  give  up  the  city  to  the  episcopalians 
this  night.  But  lord  Johannes,  who  has  a  very  fine 
nose,  got  wind  of  them  in  time.  He  has  taken  his 
measures  yet  more  secretly  than  his  foes,  and  Knip- 
perdolling will  do  a  fine  business  early  in  the  morn- 
ing.' 

'Never-ending  slaughters!'  murmured  Alf,  sor- 
rowfully. *  What  we  have  gained  is  hardly  an 
equivalent  for  the  blood  spilled  in  its  attainment.' 

*  The  tree  of  spiritual  freedom,'  said  Hanslein  ironi- 
cally, shrugging  his  shoulders,  '  must  be  properly 
watered,  if  you  would  have  it  grow  and  thrive.' 

Meanwhile,  the  patrols  having  returned  to  the 
guard  room,  Hanslein  went  out  to  meet  them.  '  All 
right  I '  was  the  w^ord  from  all  sides.     Only  the  detach- 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  251 

ment  who  had  been  scouring  the  out  works,  thought 
that  they  had  heard  a  suspicious  rustling  of  arms  in 
the  distance. 

*  And  you  went  no  nearer  to  see  what  was  going  on  ? ' 
interrupted  Alf :  *  Then  I  must  take  a  turn  myself, 
and  see  what  mischief  is  brewing.     Forward  ! ' 

He  and  Hanslein  carefully  led  the  patrol  through 
the  little  side-door  out  over  the  bridges.  '  Stand  here 
silently,'  commanded  Alf,  —  '  I  will  go  softly  forward 
with  the  captain.  As  soon  as  you  hear  any  noise, 
move  quickly  towards  it.' 

Alf  and  Hanslein  now  proceeded  stealthily  forward, 
constantly  further  and  further,  behind  the  angles  of 
the  outworks,  carefully  bending  close  to  them.  Sud- 
denly they  heard  at  a  distance  the  clattering  of  spurs 
which  rapidly  approached. 

'  Let  us  conceal  ourselves  behind  the  palisades,' 
whispered  Hanslein  to  Alf.  They  had  hardly  concealed 
themselves  when  the  rattling  of  the  spurred  heels 
approached.  The  obscure  forms  of  two  men  became 
visible  in  the  darkness.  They  passed  b}^  the  concealed 
friends  and  then  stopped. 

*  That  is  the  place,'  said  a  deep  bass  voice.  '  Give 
the  sign,  Serjeant.'  The  other  figure  then  raised  his 
hand  to  his  mouth,  and  repeated  three  times  a  clear- 
sounding  tone  imitating  a  bird-call. 

'  Now  upon  them  ! '  cried  Alf,  springing  from  behind 
the  palisades,  seizing  the  first  figure  by  the  right 
arm  with  the  strength  of  a  bear,  and  placing  his  sword 
at  his  breast.     At  the  same  moment  Hanslein  dealt  a 


252  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

powerful  blow  upon  the  second  figure.  '  Jesus  Maria  ! ' 
cried  the  latter,  and  instantly  disappeared  in  the 
darkness. 

'  Coward  ! '  growled  the  other ;  but  Alf  mastered 
hiin.  '  No  noise,  nor  any  attempt  at  resistance,  or  I 
shall  be  compelled  to  strike  you  down.  You  must 
follow^  us  into  the  city.' 

'  Thus  to  end  ! '  groaned  the  prisoner  —  and  at  that 
moment  the  first  rays  of  the  rising  moon  beamed  over 
the  edge  of  the  horizon  and  threw  their  light  upon  the 
captive.  He  was  a  stately  old  cavalier,  with  a  chain 
of  honor  over  his  shining  silver  harness,  and  a  most 
venerable  countenance,  from  which  even  his  unhappy 
accident  had  not  been  able  to  drive  the  impress  of 
determined  spirit  and  courage. 

Alf  was  troubled  by  his  steady  gaze,  which  excited 
emotions  of  respect  and  esteem.  He  looked  inquiringly 
at  Hanslein,  who  returned  a  similar  glance,  and  both 
remained  standing  by  their  prisoner,  as  if  by  tacit 
agreement. 

'  Shall  we  deliver  this  noble  form  to  the  terrible 
Johannes  ? '  at  last  asked  Alf  of  his  fellow  soldier. 

'  It  would  certainly  make  me  very  unhappy  to  see 
this  head  fall  under  the  axe  of  the  executioner,'  mur- 
mured Hanslein. 

'  You  think  and  feel  as  I  do,  brother,'  cried  Alf, 
joyfully.  '  Therefore  pursue  your  way  in  peace,  sir 
colonel,  or  whatever  else  you  may  chance  to  be.  We 
will  have  no  part  in  the  shedding  of  your  blood  ! ' 

'  Shall  I  have  to  thank   anabaptists  for  my  life  and 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  253 

liberty  ? '  asked  the  knight,  half  indignant  and  half 
astonished. 

'Accept  it,  however,'  said  Alf,  'and  with  it  the 
proof  that  the  people  of  Munster  are  not  all  such 
monsters  as  you  may  have  believed  until  now.  If  this 
friendly  service  appears  to  you  to  be  thankworthy,  you 
can  repay  it  with  like  clemency  w^hen  one  of  our 
brethren  falls  into  your  hands.' 

'  That  will  I,  comrade,  by  my  word,'  answered  the 
knight,  much  affected.  '  To  prove  that  my  feelings 
are  equally  good  toward  you,  I  invite  you  to  follow 
me  into  our  camp.  People  of  your  stamp  are  not 
in  their  right  place  in  that  den  of  wild  beasts,  who 
sooner  or  later  must  come  to  an  ignominious  end.' 

*  Spare  your  words,'  answered  Alf.  '  We  hold  fast 
to  our  faith.' 

'And  have  divers  cogent  reasons  besides,'  said 
Hanslein,  (grasping  his  neck  in  a  manner  not  to  be 
misunderstood,)  '  to  decline  the  honor  of  visiting  the 
lord  bishop.' 

'  Our  men  approach,'  said  Alf,  looking  toward  the 
city.     '  Depart,  sir  knight,  before  it  is  too  late.' 

'  God  teach  you  the  right  path,  poor  erring  wander- 
ers,' said  the  knight,  compassionately,  as  he  hastened 
away. 

Scolding  as  he  went,  Alf  approached  his  troops. 
'  Were  you  not  ordered  to  advance  upon  the  first 
alarm  ? '  growled  he.  '  Heard  you  not  when  I  gave 
the  word  for  the  onset  ?  Had  you  beejpi  there,  as  it 
v/as  your  duty  to  have  been,  we  should  have  taken  an 
22 


254  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

episcopalian  field  officer.  He  has  escaped  to  his  fol- 
lowers, and  Ave  must  hasten  back  to  the  city,  lest  we 
be  finally  cut  off  and  taken  prisoners.' 

The  honest  Munsterers  exculpated  themselves  in  the 
best  way  they  could,  entreating  that  their  oversight 
might  not  be  made  known  to  the  grim  prophet ;  and 
with  drooping  heads  followed  the  two  friends  back 
into  the  citv. 


CHAPTER    X. 


An  alarm,  as  if  the  world  were  sinking,  was  now 
raised  in  Munster.  The  bells  rung,  the  drums  beat, 
and  the  armed  masses  ran  together,  filling  the  air  with 
their  wild  shouts.  Alf  and  Hanslein  mounted  the 
wall  over  the  gate  and  looked  down  upon  the  city,  in 
the  streets  of  which  torches  were  every  where  blazing. 
From  the  market  before  St.  Lambert's  church  the 
light  of  an  immense  fire  arose  to  the  heavens,  and  the 
sounds  of  a  horrible  shouting  and  screaming  as  from 
many  thousands  came  thence  over  the  city. 

'  This  is  a  dreadful  night,'  said  Alf,  leaning  sadly 
upon  his  sword. 

'  If  I  should  say,'  observed  Hanslein,  '  that  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  city  was  particularly  pleasing  to  me, 
I  should  tell  a  falsehood.  Were  it  not  for  my  unlucky 
affair  with  the  Serjeant,  I  would  have  gone  to  the 
episcopalian  camp  with  the  field  officer,  in  God's 
name.' 

Finally,  a  certain  degree  of  order  seemed  to  prevail 
in  the  chaos  about  the  market  place,  although  like 
every  thing  there,  it  was  of  a  horrible  nature.  To  a 
short,    ferocious   yell   of   the   populace   succeeded  a 


256  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

profound  and  terrible  pause  —  then  cracked  a  volley  of 
musketry,  and  then  again  another  pause  —  and  so 
alternately  screams,  pauses  and  reports  of  fire-arms, 
until  Hanslein  had  counted  twenty  volleys. 

*  What  can  that  musketry  mean  ? '  asked  Alf  in  an 
undertone,  with  some  misgivings  as  to  the  nature  of 
the  proceedings. 

'  Master  Johannes  may  just  now  be  undertaking  to 
sift  his  flock,'  said  Hanslein. 

'  Must  it  then  be,'  exclaimed  Alf  with  bitter  grief, 
'  that  by  every  revolution,  although  intended  to  pro- 
mote the  welfare  of  the  whole  people,  men  must  be 
placed  at  the  head  who  have  no  hearts  in  their  bodies, 
and  who  rule  by  destroying  the  lives  of  their  brethren  ! ' 

'  It  appears  so,'  answered  Hanslein.  '  Whoever 
is  placed  at  the  head  by  popular  commotions,  must 
himself  be  a  bold  demagogue  who  has  no  property, 
character  or  conscience  to  lose.  To  leap  over  every 
obstacle  and  ward  off  every  danger  by  the  destruction 
of  a  dozen  or  two  of  his  fellow  men,  is  nothing  at  all 
to  him.  People  like  you,  my  brother,  would  make 
right  good  leaders,  for  which  nothing  is  really  requi- 
site but  vigor,  honesty  and  sound  sense ;  but  honest 
people  draw  back  from  such  opportunities  from  a  want 
of  self  confidence,  and  thereby  give  the  devils  free 
scope  to  do  evil,  which  is  very  wrong  I ' 

Alf,  reminded  by  this  conversation  of  Tuiskoshirer's 
rejected  crown,  and  of  old  Fabricius's  prophecy,  at  last 
sorrowfully  exclaimed,  '  in  an  unhappy  hour  came  I 
home  to  my  native  city!'  and  proceeded  to  join  the 
ofuard. 


CHAPTER    XL 


The  next  morning,  when  Alf 's  guard  was  relieved, 
he  marched  his  men  by  the  market  place.  Horrible 
was  the  sight  which  there  awaited  him.  The  square 
before  St.  Lambert's  church  was  converted  into  an 
immense  slaughter  yard,  and  filled  with  human  flesh. 
A  great  number  of  unfortunates  were  bound  to  stakes 
and  shot  through ;  a  part  of  whom  had  bled  out  their 
lives,  and  a  part  were  still  writhing  and  twisting  in 
the  agonies  of  the  death  struggle.  Others  lay  upon 
the  bloody  pavement,  some  hacked  to  pieces  with  the 
sword  and  some  beheaded.  The  ranting  Knipperdol- 
ling  in  his  robes  of  office,  his  face  flushed,  with  naked 
and  blood-sprinkled  arms,  was  continually  and  un- 
weariedly  swinging  his  broad  executioner's  sword  over 
victims,  who,  either  voluntarily  or  forced  by  armed 
men,  were  kneeling  before  him. 

'  Left  wheel ! '  commanded  Alf,  averting  his  eyes  ; 
and  he  led  his  men  through  side-streets  and  by-ways 
to  the  company's  parade  ground. 

As  the  men  were  separating,  and  Alf  proceeding  to 
his  own  quarters,  he  was  met  by  poor  Clara,  who 
22^ 


2-58  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

came  to  him,  her  eyes  red  with  weeping,  and  with 
despair  depicted  on  her  countenance. 

'  Will  you  grant  me  a  private  conversation  ? '  said 
she  ;  *  it  concerns  my  life  —  and  though  you  may  deem 
that  of  little  consequence,  still  your  heart  is  too  good 
not  to  feel  a  sympathy  for  an  unfortunate  being,  whose 
last  hope  is  in  your  protection.' 

'  In  God's  name,  what  is  going  forward  ? '  asked 
Alf,  alarmed,  leading  the  maiden  into  the  garden 
adjoining  the  house.  '  Speak,  dear  Clara,  and  open 
your  heart  to  me.     My  blood  for  thee  ! ' 

'  The  chief  prophet  and  the  twelve  judges,'  answered 
Clara,  '  have  published  a  mandate,  by  which  a  plurality 
of  wives  is  not  only  allowed  but  commanded.  Not  to 
avail  one's  self  of  this  spiritual  license,  is  deemed 
a  crime.  Spies  search  all  houses  and  drag  forth 
the  marriageable  maidens ;  who  are  compelled  to 
marry  instantly.  I  hoped  to  find  a  defence  of  my 
maiden  honor  in  my  insignificance ;  but  the  hideous 
Tuiskoshirer  has  selected  me  for  his  third  wife. 
Rather  than  consummate  my  ruin  by  giving  my  hand 
to  that  disgusting  madman,  I  would  jump  into  the 
river  Aa,  and  there  find  an  end  to  my  life  and  my 
afflictions.' 

'  With  God's  help,'  cried  Alf,  '  you  shall  neither 
jump  into  the  river,  Clara,  nor  into  Tuiskoshirer 's 
arms ;  in  which  indeed  you  might  find  worse  repose. 
Is  the  old  wizard  mad,  that  he  lifts  his  eyes  to  so 
pretty  a  maiden  ?  ' 

'  There  is  but  one  way  left  for  mv  deliverance,'  said 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  259 

Clara.  '  You  are  to  marry  my  sister,  dear  brother-in- 
law —  wherefore  I  beg  of  you  to  bestow  upon  me,  out 
of  compassion,  the  name  of  one  of  your  wives,  that 
it  may  protect  me  from  the  impudence  of  his  hateful 
assaults.  Understand  me  rightly,'  added  she,  earnest- 
ly;'  I  ask  to  be  one  of  your  wives  in  name  only. 
This  relation  shall  give  neither  to  you  nor  me  new 
duties  nor  new  rights  —  and  when  the  fate  of  this 
unhappy  city  once  changes,  then  shall  we  two  in  no 
respect  be  bound  to  each  other.' 

*  Such  an  apparent  marriage  only,  will  be  but  little 
pleasant  to  either  party,'  replied  Alf.  '  Should  you  not 
rather  find  in  Munster  some  young  handsome  fellow, 
with  whom  you  may  be  married  in  a  proper  and 
orderly  manner,  according  to  the  commandments  of 
God?' 

*  God  preserve  me  from  men  ! '  cried  Clara,  a  deep 
crimson  suddenly  suffusing  her  pale  cheeks.  'After 
what  I  have  here  witnessed  they  have  all  become  my 
detestation.  Even  you  I  select  only  upon  irresistible 
compulsion,  and  because  the  connection  can  be  so 
arranged  that  I  may  be  called  by  your  name  without 
belonging  to  you.' 

'  This  courtship  is  certainly  not  particularly  polite, 
my  little  Clara,'  said  Alf;  'but  before  you  leap  into 
the  water  with  me,  it  is  necessary  that  I  should  say 
yes.  I  wish  I  could  have  first  explained  the  matter 
properly  to  your  sister  —  I  know  not  whether  the  im- 
perious damsel  will  be  so  willing  to  accommodate 
herself  to  the  new  decree  of  the  twelve  judges.' 


260  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  The  life  of  her  sister  is  at  stake,'  cried  Clara,  in 
deep  agony,  *  who  will  most  willingly  remain  a  maiden 
after,  as  before,  and  renounce  every  right  to  even  a 
friendly  look  from  her  husband.' 

'  It  will  be  a  strange  marriage,'-  mustered  Alf,  rub- 
bing his  hands  in  much  perplexity  ;  *  nevertheless  let 
us  trust  in  God.  It  would  be  well,  if  these  times  pro- 
duced nothing  more  wonderful  in  old  Munster.' 

*  There  comes  the  monster  !  Protect  me,  Kippen- 
brock  ! '  shrieked  Clara,  hiding  her  face  in  Alf 's  bosom. 

Alf  looked  up  and  saw  Eliza  conducting  Tuisko- 
shirer  into  the  garden.  After  him  pressed  a  ragged 
and  armed  multitude. 

'  Whatever  you  may  do,  my  brother,'  howled  the 
prophet,  '  I  yet  cannot  desert  you.  Our  names  must 
stand  near  each  other  in  the  book  of  the  Spirit.  You 
have  contemptuously  rejected  the  alliance  which  I 
proposed  to  you  out  of  the  goodness  of  my  heart ; 
nevertheless,  to-day  I  propose  a  new  band  which  shall 
bind  us  both  in  brotherhood.  I  ask  for  the  sister  of 
your  betrothed,  dear  brother-in-law,  and  desire  to  take 
her  home  with  me  as  my  christian  wife.' 

'  I  regret,  my  brother,'  said  Alf,  encircling  Clara 
with  his  arms,  '  that  you  come  too  late.  In  obedience 
to  the  new  law,  I  have  asked  the  maiden  to  become 
my  second  wife,  and  have  obtained  her  consent.' 

'  Indeed  ! '  escaped  from  the  proud  Eliza,  while  she 
bit  her  lips  and  darted  a  not  altogether  sisterly  glance 
at  the  poor  Clara. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  261 

'  Heigh  ! '  stammered  Tuiskoshirer,  in  a  tone  of 
mingled  fear  and  anger. 

'  Your  courtship  take  precedence  of  that  of  the  great 
prophet  Tuiskoshirer ! '  cried  one  of  the  ragged 
bridal  train,  springing  towards  Clara,  seizing  her  by 
the  arm  and  endeavoring  forcibly  to  drag  her  to  her 
detested  suitor.  Alf  instantly  seized  him  by  the  body 
and  with  a  powerful  swing  threw  him  over  the  garden 
fence.  '  Who  else  will  interfere  ? '  cried  he,  lustily, 
making  after  the  multitude,  who  in  great  trepidation 
were  seeking  the  door. 

'  An  insolent  reply  was  all  that  I  wanted,'  snarled 
Tuiskoshirer,  as  he  followed  his  retreating  rabble. 

'  Sister  and  sister-in-law  at  the  same  time  ? '  asked 
Eliza  in  a  tone  of  bitterness,  pointing  towards  Clara. 
'  I  might  at  least  have  been  previously  informed  of  it,' 
said  she,  leaving  the  garden  in  a  rage. 

*  Necessity  knows  no  law,  dear  Eliza,'  pleaded  Alf, 
following  her. 

'  It  is  a  heavy  duty  which  I  have  taken  upon  me,' 
said  Clara  to  herself,  *  to  preserve  the  appearance  of 
coldness  toward  the  man  whom  I  love  better  than  all 
the  world  beside ;  but  God  will  help  me.' 


CHAPTER    XII. 


In  the  course  of  the  next  week  Alf  had  sufficiently 
softened  Eliza's  anger :  she  had  with  a  heavy  heart 
learned  to  share  her  beloved  husband's  name  with  her 
unloved  sister,  and  Alf  now  went  to  his  worthy  kins- 
man, the  former  burgomaster  Kippenbrock,  to  invite 
him  to  the  marriage  feast.  He  found  the  good  man 
a  perfect  contrast  to  his  terrible  ex-colleague ;  in  the 
short  brown  butcher's  jacket  and  white  apron,  with 
his  sleeves  rolled  up,  he  was  standing  in  his  shop, 
making  sausages  ;  —  his  full,  red,  contented  face  cov- 
ered with  glistening  drops  of  perspiration,  a  proof  that 
he  pursued  his  occupation  with  right  good  will. 

'  I  am  rejoiced,  good  kinsman,  that  you  have  so 
easily  submitted  to  the  loss  of  political  greatness.' 

'  Yes,  kinsman,'  answered  Gerhard  familiarly,  laying 
down  his  sausage-knife,  '  to  thee  I  may  say  it ;  thou 
wilt  keep  clean  lips,  and  so  it  will  remain  in  the 
family  —  when  I  was  compelled  to  lay  down  the 
burgomastership  and  take  off  the  chain  of  honor,  I 
might  as  well  have  been  knocked  on  the  head  with  an 
axe,  like  one  of  my  own  fat  oxen,  and  I  bore  my  de- 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  263 

position  not  at  all  submissively;  but  as  I  reflected 
more  upon  the  subject,  I  came  to  consider  it  less  an 
evil,  and  now  all  is  well  with  me.  There  was  much 
vexation  about  the  office  also,  and  I  oftentimes  felt  that 
I  was  not  adapted  to  it.  When  a  man  once  under- 
takes to  perform  duties,  which  his  education  has  not 
prepared  him  for,  he  always  continues  unsuitable  for 
the  place,  and  often  inadvertently  does  great  injustice 
to  the  people.  It  was  truly  a  fortunate  circumstance, 
however,  that  my  learned  colleague  Knipperdolling 
had  sufficient  acuteness  to  keep  us  out  of  difficulty, 
else  I  should  have  been  compelled  to  abandon  my 
office  on  the  first  day.  Now,  comparatively,  I  live  in 
heaven,  slaughtering  my  oxen  and  my  swine,  which  I 
understand  thoroughly  —  my  sausages  are  always  the 
best  in  Munster  —  and  it  is  wholly  a  different  thing 
when  one  is  quite  at  home  in  his  employment.  Mark 
me,  if  the  chief  prophet  should  at  any  time  offer  me 
an  office,  so  true  as  my  name  is  Gerhard  Kippenbrock, 
I  would  say  NO,  and  would  stick  to  my  hatchet  and 
chopping-block ! ' 

Alf  praised  his  noble  renunciation  of  office,  and  then 
formally  brought  forward  his  invitation. 

'  I  wish  you  much  happiness ! '  cried  Gerhard, 
heartily  shaking  his  kinsman's  hand.  *  That  all  the 
preparations  of  the  meat  kind  for  the  marriage  and 
festival  are  to  be  my  care,  is  already  understood ; 
and  I  may,  moreover,  take  some  care  for  the  new 
housekeeping.' 

Alf  wished  to  protest  against  such  great  generosity; 


264  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

but  he  answered,  —  *  I,  an  old  housekeeper,  must  un- 
derstand these  things  better  than  a  young  chicken  like 
you,  —  I  know  what  one  housewife  has  cost  me,  and 
you  take  two  at  once.  There  are  the  rich  trencher- 
caps,  the  bodices,  the  cloth  and  silk  doublets  and 
robes,  and  the  furred  cloak,  and  shoes  and  stockings, 
and  the  golden  ornaments,  and  the  bed  and  other  white 
linen,  all  in  double  proportion  —  and,  God  preserve 
us,  finally  the  baby-clothes  and  the  cradle  also.  You 
will  be  compelled  to  wield  your  hammer  merrily  in 
the  workshop,  and  will  be  too  much  occupied  to  be  able 
to  make  the  necessary  preparations,  and  your  old 
butcher  kinsman  will  stand  you  in  good  stead. 

To  strike  out  one  half  of  this  formidable  list,  Alf 
related  to  him  how  he  had  come  by  his  second  bride. 

'  Heigh  !  surely  !  let  us  see  ! '  exclaimed  Gerhard  : 
'  the  child's  conduct  pleases  me  very  much.  To  be 
sure  it  is  a  singular  circumstance,  and  the  prophet 
might  make  various  objections  to  it  if  it  were  made 
known  to  him;  but  I  rejoice  heartily  that  it  has  afforded 
you  an  opportunity  to  obtain  the  maiden ;  who,  I  hon- 
estly confess  to  you,  was  the  one  of  the  two  sisters 
whom  I  always  wished  you  might  have.  She  has  an 
angel's  heart.  Eliza  is  not  bad ;  but  she  has  an 
imperious  domineering  spirit,  and  will  often  warm 
your  head  for  you ;  particularly  if  the  little  Clara 
should  in  time  excite  an  interest  in  your  heart.' 

Alf 's  asseverations,  that  he  could  be  in  no  danger  of 
so  great  an  evil,  were  drowned  by  the  noise  and  cries 
of  an  immense  multitude  of  people  who  crowded  the 
streets  on  their  return  from  the  market  place. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  265 

'  There  has  been  another  public  day,'  grumbled 
Gerhard,  looking  through  the  window ;  ^  and  so  it  goes 
on  continually.  They  crowd  to  the  public  meetings 
and  make  much  noise  with  their  debates  ;  but  nothing 
is  effected  for  the  general  good,  and  meanwhile  the 
bishop  is  constantly  diminishing  the  limits  within 
which  he  has  enclosed  us ;  so  that  we  shall  soon  be 
unable  to  go  outside  the  city  walls.  I  am  heartily  tired 
of  the  whole  business.  So  long  as  my  oxen  hold  out, 
and  I  can  drive  them  to  our  pasture,  so  long  will  I  look 
on ;  but  when  that  ends,  God  will  forgive  my  sins  if  I 
become  an  episcopalian  as  well  as  others.' 

'Hush,  kinsman!'  cried  Alf,  who  that  moment 
caught  a  glimpse  of  the  duodecemvir  Dilbek,  passing 
by  the  street  window. 

Gerhard  clapped  his  hands  upon  *his  mouth  as  the 
tailor  danced  into  the  shop  and  embraced  the  stout 
butcher  with  friendly  warmth. 

'  I  greet  thee  dear  brother  and  colleague  ! '  cried  he 
in  ecstasy. 

*  Colleague  ? '  murmured  Gerhard,  turning  himself 
again  to  his  sausage  table.     '  We  are  not  so  far.' 

'  What  did  I  say,'  cried  Dilbek,  slapping  Alf  upon 
the  shoulder :  *  what  did  I  say  to  you  on  our  way 
towards  Munster  ? ' 

*  Your  conversation  has  not  so  much  weight  with 
me  as  to  cause  me  to  mark  or  remember  it,'  answered 
Alf,  peevishly. 

'  1  said,'  declaimed  Dilbek,  '  give  to   our  prophet, 
our  great  Johannes,  the  world,  and  he  would  govern 
23 


266  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

it  in  fine  style.  Now,  the  commencement  is  made. 
Johannes  the  First,  has  this  day  become  king  over 
Zion,  otherwise  called  Munster.' 

*  King  ! '  cried  Alf  and  Gerhard  in  a  breath. 

*  King,'  repeated  Dilbek-.  '  And  he  has  obtained 
the  honor  in  his  usually  sly  way.  Early  this  morning 
he  caused  us,  the  twelve  judges,  to  be  called  to  his 
house.  ^  Thus  saith  the  Lord^'  declared  he  to  us ; 
'  Even  as  I  aforetime  have  taken  Saul  and  after  him 
David,  from  tending  their  sheep,  and  made  them  kings 
over  my  people,  so  set  I  Johannes  Bockhold,  my 
prophet,  to  be  king  over  Zion.' 

'King!'  sighed  Alf  inaudibly,  and  once  again 
thought  with  bitter  repentance  of  Tuiskoshirer's 
crown. 

'  Honestly  to  confess  it/  pursued  the  chattering  Dil- 
bek, '  this  declaration  was  not  much  to  our  taste,  as  it 
lessened  our  official  authority,  and  we  had  much  to 
urge  against  it ;  but  there  we  struck  the  wrong  chord. 
'  Ye  short  sighted  men  ! '  cried  the  prophet ;  '  must  I 
not  take  this  office  upon  myself  against  my  will  ? 
Eather  would  I  drive  horses  and  oxen,  did  I  not  feel 
myself  irresistibly  drawn  by  the  hand  of  God.  There- 
fore down,  instantly;  —  resign  your  offices  and  do 
homage  to  your  king.' 

'  The  man  has  a  methodical  madness  in  depriving 
people  of  offices  and  honors,'  growled  Gerhard,  vexed 
by  his  reminiscences. 

'  Still  we  were  not  satisfied,'  continued  Dilbek ; 
'  and  as  we    knew  of  no  other  expedient,  we  referred 


THE       ANABAPTIST.  267 

the  whole  matter  to  the  people.  That,  however,  did 
not  help  us.  While  Johannes  labored  with  us,  that 
withered  old  fox,  Tuiskoshirer,  wrought  upon  the 
people ;  and  as  we  judges  in  a  body  accompanied  the 
prophet  to  the  market-place,  the  little  man  came  to  meet 
us  there  with  a  large  naked  sword,  which  he  presented 
to  Johannes,  saying  in  a  howling  voice,  '  In  the  name 
of  God  I  give  to  thee,  Johannes,  the  kingly  dignity : 
govera  thy  people  well  !  Long  live  the  king  of 
Zion  !  shouted  the  multitude  with  one  voice,  while 
we  judges  were  standing  and  looking  as  though  the 
butter  had  fallen  from  our  bread.  His  kingly 
majesty,  however,  permitted  mercy  to  prevail  over 
right,  and  advanced  a  part  of  us  to  high  honors ; 
graciously  remembering  his  old  fellow  laborers  in  God's 
kingdom.  Knipperd oiling  is  raised  from  the  office  of 
executioner  to  be  governor  of  the  city,  Varend  Rothman 
is  the  royal  orator,  I  am  lord  steward,  four  of  the 
twelve  judges  have  been  made  royal  counsellors,  and 
in  you,  sir  Gerhard,  have  I  the  honor  and  pleasure  of 
greeting  the  royal  treasurer.' 

'  No  jokes  !'  blustered  the  butcher,  whilst  his  full- 
moon  face,  lighted  up  by  joy,  once  more  exhibited  a 
glistening  crimson. 

*  I  should  be  ashamed  of  myself,'  said  Dilbek,  '  to 
jest  in  an  unseemly  manner  with  one  of  the  high 
officers  of  the  kingdom  of  Zion.' 

'  These  incessant  changes  and  innovations  are  almost 
enough  to  turn  one's  brain,'  said  Gerhard,  while  Alf 


268  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

was  pouring  water  upon  his  hands  with  which  he 
carefully  washed  his  face  and  arms. 

At  the  same  time  Dilbek  continued  :  '  I  bring  to  the 
lord  treasurer  the  invitation  of  his  majesty  to  repair 
immediately  to  the  royal  palace,  to  receive  further 
commands.' 

'  My  black  dress  suit,  Susanna  ! '  cried  Gerhard, 
looking  into  the  sitting  room  ;  '  my  mantle,  my  plumed 
cap,  my  golden  chain  and  sword  ! ' 

'  Is  your  name  nevertheless  still  called  Kippenbrock  ?' 
asked  Alf,  significantly,  by  way  of  reminding  his  fickle 
kinsman  of  his  former  protestations. 

'  Hold  your  tongue  ! '  cried  the  new  treasurer,  as 
with  inconceivable  celerity  (notwithstanding  his  cor- 
pulency) he  encased  himself  in  the  official  robes 
which  his  wife  with  joyful  surprise  had  brought  him. 

*  If  it  be  agreeable  to  you,  my  lord  steward,'  said 
Gerhard  to  Dilbek,  '  I  will  now  accompany  you  to  the 
king's  majesty.' 

'  I  commend  myself  to  you,  lady  treasurer,'  said 
Dilbek  with  a  profound  bow  to  the  butcher's  wife,  and 
the  two  lords  of  the  new  kingdom  departed. 

'  Now  is  Munster  indeed  wholly  mad,'  said  Alf, 
'  and  my  worthy  kinsman  with  the  rest.  If  I  were 
only  so  myself,  I  should  feel  better  than  I  now  do  in 
my  clear  moments.' 


CHAPTER    XIIL 


About  mid-day  some  time  afterwards,  Alf  came 
from  his  workshop  to  the  parlor.  The  dinner  already- 
smoked  upon  the  table  ;  but  his  two  elected  brides 
were  standing  at  the  window  eagerly  examining 
some  pieces  of  money  which  Tuiskoshirer  was  showing 
to  them.     Alf  approached  the  group. 

'  The  gold  and  silver  money  which  the  new^  king 
has  caused  to  be  coined,'  said  Tuiskoshirer  in  a 
friendly  and  honied  tone,  laying  a  couple  of  pieces 
in  his  hand.     Alf  read  on  the  reverse  : 

'  The  Word  has  become  flesh  and  dwells  amongst 
*  us.  Whosoever  is  not  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit 
'  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God.  One  king 
'  over  us,  one  God,  one  Faith,  one  Baptism.  At 
'Munster,  1534.' 

'  That  is  God's  government,  may  if  soon  extend 
over  the  whole  world  ! '  sighed  Tuiskoshirer,  most 
religiously  rolling  up  his  eyes. 

'  Under  these  kings  we  shall  soon  arrive  at  the 
pinnacle  of  prosperity!'  exclaimed  Eliza,  turning 
23^ 


270  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

over  the  money  in  Alf 's  hand.  On  the  other  side, 
the  wild  inspired  face  of  .the  prophet,  in  his  kingly- 
dress,  boldly  cut  and  well  resembling  the  original, 
presented  itself  to  the  eyes  of  the  beholder. 

Alf  looked  upon  the  wild  and  passionate  eyes  of 
the  presentment,  which  seemed  almost  to  roll  in  the 
masterly  impression,  and,  mentally  recurring  to  the 
pitiless  human  butchery  with  which  the  prophet  had 
commenced  the  exercise  of  power,  shudderingly  cast 
the  money  upon  the  table. 

Eliza  hastily  took  up  the  largest  piece  to  gaze  once 
more  upon  the  crowned  figure.  '  Yes,'  she  finally 
exclaimed,  forgetting  herself,  '  that  is  a  king  for  the 
whole  world  or  none.' 

'  What  is  the  matter  with  you,  Eliza?'  asked  Alf, 
with  surprise.  '  You  have  never  before  spoken  of 
the  prophet  with  such  partiality.' 

'  Crowns  make  beautiful ! '  whispered  Tuisko- 
shirer,  with  a  malicious  laugh,  and  at  that  instant 
lord  steward  Dilbek  rushed  into  the  room. 

'  To  the  windows,  children,  if  3^ou  wish  to  see 
something  very  particularly  magnificent.  The  king  is 
making  his  first  tour  through  the  city  on  horseback, 
and  will  immediately  pass  this  way.' 

*  The  king?'  asked  Eliza  with  joyful  surprise,  a 
deeper  and  more  beautiful  crimson  suffusing  her  face 
as  she  hastened  out  of  the  room. 

'  What  can  all  this  mean  ? '  sighed  Alf,  looking  a 
moment  after  her,   and  then  stepping  to  the  window. 


THE      ANABAPTIST.  271 

Nearer  and  nearer  sounded  the  cry,  '  Hail  king  of 
Zion  ! '  from  the  dense  multitude  who  preceded  the 
royal  procession  through  the  streets. 

'Now  give  attention,  —  here  comes  the  procession,' 
cried  Dilbek.  Already  were  heard  the  snorting  and 
neighing  of  the  first  of  the  king's  horses.  At  the 
head  of  the  procession  came  four  pages,  in  costly 
gold-embroidered  velvet  garments  ;  a  naked  sword 
w4th  a  golden  hilt,  Tuiskoshirer's  crown  upon  an 
open  bible,  the  golden  globe  (emblem  of  imperial 
power),  and  two  crossed  swords,  borne  by  lords  and 
gentlemen,  followed. 

'  That  beautiful,  light-haired  boy  who  bears  the 
great  sword,  is  the  bishop's  owm  son,'  whispered 
Dilbek  to  Alf,  who  recognized  in  the  two  foremost 
pages  the  victims  he  had  torn  from  the  tiger  claws  of 
the  ferocious  Matthias. 

'  Poor  youths,'  said  he,  '  hardly  may  I  rejoice  that 
I  saved  your  miserable  lives,  since  this  compulsory 
servile  duty  rendered  to  your  father's  deadly  enemy ,^ 
must  destroy  the  Spirit ;  which  is  a  far  greater  evil 
than  the  destruction  of  the  body.' 

Now  came,  snorting  and  prancing,  the  dapple-grey 
charger  that  bore  the  king.  The  fair  youth,  who 
found  himself  quite  at  home  in  his  high  station, 
presented  in  his  princely  attire  a  truly  majestic  ap- 
pearance. High  white  ostrich  feathers  waved  over 
the  jeweled  ornaments  of  his  purple  cap.  Through 
the  slashed  folds  of  his  gold-embroidered  over-dress 
appeared  the  under  garment  of  purple  velvet,  trimmed 


272  TALES     FROM    THE     GERMAN. 

with  gold  lace.  The  ermine  mantle  which  floated 
down  upon  the  golden  saddle  cloth  of  the  noble 
steed,  completed  the  beautiful  tout- ensemble^  and  Alf 
himself,  notwithstanding  his  inward  dislike  of  the 
prophet,  couli  hardly  conceal  his  admiration. 

*  Is  it  not  true,  that  dress  makes  the  man  ? '  trium- 
phantly whispered  the  lord  steward  to  him.  *  All  this 
is  the  work  of  my  ingenious  needle.  For  three  nights 
I  have  not  been  in  bed,  —  in  which  time  I  directed 
the  execution  of  all  the  difficult  portions  of  the  work. 
Now,  God  be  praised  !  every  thing  has  prospered 
with  me,  and  I  want  to  see,  who  will  recognize  the 
mass-dress  out  of  which  I  have  put  it  all  together.' 

Meanwhile  the  king  had  passed  by.  Behind  him 
came  governor  Knipperdolling  and  treasurer  Kippen- 
brock,  superbly  mounted.  Twelve  yeomen  of  the 
guard,  clothed  in  the  royal  livery,  ash-color  and  green, 
upon  princely  horses  with  golden  saddles,  brought  up 
the  rear.  The  procession  now  halted  a  moment. 
Alf  leaned  farther  out  of  the  window  to  see  what 
had  occurred.  He  just  then  perceived  that  the  king 
was  bowing  with  indescribable  grace  to  the  fair  Eliza, 
who,  to  see  the  better,  had  stationed  herself  before 
the  house  door.  In  sweet  confusion  the  graceful  girl 
returned  the  royal  greeting,  and,  as  the  prince  finally 
rode  on  after  the  bearers  of  the  regalia,  looked  long 
and  earnestly  after  him. 

'  This  is  a  sudden  and  wonderful  change  ! '  ex- 
claimed Alf,  angrily.  *  I  see  well  that  I  must 
celebrate  my  nuptials  to-morrow  ;  if,  indeed  they  are 
ever  to  be  celebrated.' 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  273 

*  Hadst  thou  accepted  my  offer,  brother,'  said 
Tuiskoshirer,  in  a  tone  of  friendly  reproach,  '  thou 
wouldst  have  spared  thyself  this,  and  who  knows 
how  many  more  afflictions.' 

Followed  by  Dilbek,  he  went  forth.  Alf  remained, 
in  a  pensive  mood,  thoughtlessly  playing  with  the 
coins  which  had  been  left  upon  the  table.  '  Yes, 
truly,'  murmured  he  at  length,  with  bitterness,  '  he 
who  dares  to  coin  money  is  held  in  higher  considera- 
tion than  he  who  is  obliged  to  receive  it  in  the  way 
of  business.' 

The  gentle  Clara  then  approached  him.  '  Do  not 
be  angry  with  my  sister,'  said  she,  entreatingly,  in 
her  kind  way.  ^  Her  heart  is  good  in  the  main,  and 
she  will  soon  repent  of  an  error  into  which  she  has 
been  led  by  her  vanity  and  pride.' 

*  Good  hearted  child  ! '  exclaimed  Alf,  affected  by 
the  faithful  intercession  of  the  rejected  one  ;  '  why 
has  not  that  ungrateful  girl  thy  heart  and  soul,  or 
thou  her  beautiful  exterior  ?  Then  nothing  would 
have  been  wanting  to  my  happiness  ! '  He  went  out ; 
and  Clara  retired  to  her  chamber,  where  she  secretly 
and  bitterly  wept  over  the  well  intended  but  deeply 
wounding  eulogium  of  the  beloved  vouth. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

The  next  morning  Alf  returned  from  a  visit  to  the 
royal  orator  Rotliman,  with  whom,  to  make  an  end  at 
once  of  all  apprehensions,  he  had  arranged  that  his 
baptism  and  his  marriage  with  both  of  the  sisters 
should  take  place  that  afternoon.  As  he  approached 
Tnitlinger's  house  he  was  not  a  little  astonished  to 
find  some  of  the  yeomen  of  the  guard,  in  the  green 
and  ash-colored  livery,  before  the  house  door,  holding 
some  saddle  horses.  A  milk  white  palfrey  with  costly- 
trimmings  and  a  purple  gold-embroidered  covering, 
particularly  attracted  his  attention.  Anxious  to  learn 
what  it  all  meant,  he  walked  into  the  parlor,  where 
he  encountered  Tuiskoshirer  and  the  lord  steward 
Dilbek,  in  their  court  dresses. 

'  Hail,  hail  I  prosperity  has  befallen  thee,  my 
brother  ! '  cried  the  little  prophet,  ardently  embracing 
him.  '  Even  as  Abraham  was  accounted  worthy  of 
being  commanded  to  olier  to  the  Lord  the  most 
beloved  object  which  he  possessed  upon  earth,  so 
likewise  art  thou  also  elected  and  favored  among 
thousands  :  not  merely  to  present,  but  really  and  truly 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  275 

to  offer  up,  thy  heart  upon  the  altar  of  duty  to  thy 
king  and  lord.' 

'  Madness  seems  to  catch  early  in  the  morning,' 
sighed  Alf  peevishly,  '  and  I  cannot  understand  a 
word  of  all  this.  Both  of  you*  being  gentlemen,  you 
have  nothing  to  neglect,  and  have  leisure  to  spend 
the  day  as  you  please.  I,  however,  am  a  handicrafts- 
man, who  must  labor  for  my  livelihood  ;  therefore 
tell  me  in  short  plain  words  what  you  want  of  me, 
so  that  I  may  give  you  a  proper  answer  and  then  go 
to  my  workshop.' 

*  Thy  answer,  my  good  fellow,  is  of  very  little 
consequence,'  replied  Tuiskoshirer  with  a  malicious 
laugh.  '  We  await  our  answer  from  the  worthy 
maiden  Eliza,  to  whom  we  are  sent  by  our  all- 
merciful  king  to  request  her  to  become  his  third  wife 
and  queen  of  Zion.' 

'  My  God  ! '  stammered  Alf,  becoming  deathly  pale 
and  leaning  against  the  wall  for  support. 

'  It  cannot  be  helped  now,  my  friend,'  whispered 
the  lord  steward  to  him  ;  *  therefore  submit  with  a 
good  grace  to  what  must  at  any  rate  happen  ;  so  that 
you  may  hereafter  be  able  to  claim  a  recompense  for 
your  ready  acquiescence.' 

'  Has  Eliza  already  consented  ? '  asked  Alf,  with 
tremulous  lips. 

'  She  has  retired  to  her  chamber,'  answered  Tuis- 
koshirer, '  to  take  counsel  of  the  Spirit.  As  soon 
as  she  comes  forth  we  shall  all  be  enlightened  as  to 
her  decision.' 


276  TALES     FROM     THE    GERMAN. 

*  No,  no  I '  cried  Alf,  wringing  his  hands,  'nature 
and  love  have  bound  us  too  closely ;  she  cannot 
leave  me.' 

Meanwhile  the  chamber  door  flew  open  and  the 
beautiful  Eliza  appeared.  At  the  first  glance  she 
was  not  recognized  by  Alf.  A  dress  embroidered 
with  silver  and  fastened  with  a  jewelled  girdle, 
rustled  about  her  slender  and  fascinating  figure  ;  her 
bosom  and  arms  sparkled  with  the  richest  gems,  and 
from  her  dark  locks  arose,  meteor-like,  a  radiant 
diadem. 

'  Hail  to  our  queen  Eliza  ! '  cried  Tuiskoshirer 
and  Dilbek,  sinking  upon  their  knees  before  her 
majestic  form. 

'  The  Spirit  has  decided,'  said  Eliza,  giving  them 
her  hand  to  kiss.  '  I  have  listened  to  its  voice. 
Conduct  me  to  my  king  and  husband.' 

'  Eliza  ! '  cried  Alf,  in  boundless  sorrow,  stepping 
before  the  false  fair  one. 

'Thou  here,  Alf?'  said  she,  with  some  slight 
agitation.  '  I  would  willingly  have  spared  thee  the 
pain  of  this  parting.' 

'  Thou  art  my  promised  bride,  my  wife  in  the  sight 
of  God  ! '  shrieked  he,  despairingly.  '  Thou  canst  not, 
thou  darest  not  leave  me  !' 

'  Before  the  great  affairs  of  the  world,  the  little 
interests  of  private  and  humble  life  must  yield,' 
answered  Eliza  pathetically.  '  The  king  of  Zion 
needs  me,  that  my  kiss  may  sweeten  the  wearisome- 
ness  of  governing.     How  then  can  I  be  so  selfish  as 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  277 

to  regard  the  bands  which  previously  connected  me 
with  thee  ?  The  people  of  Israel  have  a  claim  upon 
me  paramount  to  thine,  and  joyfully  I  go  to  fulfil  my 
exalted  duties  in  obedience  to  the  voice  of  the  Spirit.' 

'  No,  thou  hast  never  loved  me  ! '  exclaimed  Alf. 

'  I  was  always  well  disposed  towards  thee,'  stam- 
mered the  new  queen,  affected  by  sudden  emotion. 
Soon  however  recovering  herself,  she  said  to  him  in 
the  tone  of  a  mistress,  *  when  I  am  seated  upon  Zion's 
throne  you  may  safely  rely  upon  my  favor.' 

She  now  quickly  took  Dilbek's  proffered  arm  and 
hastened  forth  wuth  him,  without  giving  a  single 
glance  backward.  Tuiskoshirer,  however,  stopped 
long  enough  to  ask  the  astonished  and  bewildered 
Alf,  '  dost  thou  not  now  repent,  my  brother,  that 
thou  rejectedst  my  proposition  ? '  —  and  then  followed 
the  pair. 

'  Woman's  love  and  woman's  truth  ! '  indignantly 
exclaimed  the  unhappy  youth,  seizing  his  dark  brown 
locks  with  powerless  rage. 


24 


CHAPTER    XV. 


At  Clara's  request  the  previously  arranged  mar- 
riage was  postponed.  Alf 's  baptism,  also,  for  which 
his  desire  daily  decreased,  had  not  yet  taken  place. 
The  pretext  for  the  delay  of  both  ceremonies  was 
the  changes  which  had  been  occasioned  in  Trutlin- 
ger's  house  by  Eliza's  sudden  elevation.  In  conse- 
quence of  the  daily  increasing  disorder  and  confusion 
in  Munster  these  omissions  were  not  noticed  by  any 
body;  and  half  the  city,  who,  since  the  polygamy 
ordinance  of  the  twelve  judges,  were  living  unre- 
strainedly with  their  newly  selected  partners,  saw 
nothing-  amiss  in  Alf  and  the  little  Clara's  followinof 
the  general  example.  They  lived  together,  quiet  and 
retired,  like  orphan  brother  and  sister ;  and  it  became 
for  Alf  quite  a  soothing  custom  to  extract  consolation 
and  encouragement,  under  his  bitter  disappointment, 
from  the  mild  and  friendl}^  eyes  of  Clara.  The 
maiden  also,  now  that  she  no  longer  felt  the  yoke 
of  her  proud  sister,  and  no  longer  saw  the  beloved 
youth  in  the  arms  of  another,  began  to  recover  her- 
self, and  gradually  resumed  her  florid  complexion,  so 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  279 

that  Alf  contemplated  her  with  increasing  pleasure 
from  day  to  day ;  but  the  maiden  kept  her  love  for 
him  deeply  buried  in  her  own  chaste  bosom,  and 
closely  guarded  her  eyes  and  lips  lest  they  should 
betray  her  heart.  Her  deportment  towards  Alf,  how- 
ever, was  always  kind  and  affectionate,  and  she 
assiduously  endeavored  to  anticipate  all  his  wants. 
This  peaceful  mode  of  life,  also  restored  to  her  mind 
a  portion  of  that  serenity  which  had  gladdened  her 
earlier-  and  happier  days.  Already  were  her  softly 
tinged  cheeks  graced  by  frequent  smiles  ;  her  fine 
blue  eyes,  Avhich  formerly  always  looked  through  a 
veil  of  tears  towards  heaven  or  upon  the  ground, 
now  often  sparkled  with  a  playful  archness  which 
rendered  the  thoughtful  maiden  doubly  charming ; 
and  from  her  lips  escaped  many  a  pleasing  light- 
hearted  jest.  Alf,  wondering  at  the  change  which 
had  taken  place,  could  hardly  turn  his  eyes  away 
from  her  ;  and,  as  a  natural  consequence,  the  wound 
which  Eliza's  unfaithfulness  had  made  in  his  heart  was 
daily  less  and  less  felt. 

While  the  storm  of  wild  passions  began  to  subside 
in  the  narrow  circle  in  which  Alf  and  Clara  moved, 
the  whirlwind  which  menaced  the  state  was  rushing 
and  roaring  constantly  nearer  and  nearer.  The 
frivolities  and  horrors,  which  the  anabaptists  had  up 
to  this  period  enacted  under  the  shield  of  a  fanatical 
schism,  had  excited  the  indignation  of  the  virtuous 
and  intelligent  portion  of  the  people  throughout  Ger- 
many.     Disregarding  all   existing  diiTerences   upon 


280  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

Other  subjects,  catholics  and  protestants  united  in  the 
determination  that  their  misrule  should  no  longer  be 
suffered ;  and  that  if  neither  the  deceivers  nor  de- 
ceived would  listen  to  christian  instruction  and  mild 
admonition,  there  was  no  other  course  left  but  to 
root  them  out  with  the  sword.  The  Ehenish  provin- 
ces held  a  convention  at  Coblentz,  at  which  John 
Frederick,  the  Lutheran  electoral  prince  of  Saxony, 
voluntarily  appeared.  At  this  convention  it  was 
agreed  to  furnish  the  bishop  of  Munster  three  hun- 
dred cavalry  and  three  thousand  foot  soldiers,  as 
auxiliaries  against  his  rebellious  subjects.  The 
brave  Ulrich,  count  Oberstein,  held  the  command  of 
the  forces  and  directed  the  siege. 

Yet  Munster 's  walls,  towers  and  ditches  were, 
through  the  providence  of  the  prophets  (who,  in  this, 
acted  with  great  foresight,)  in  such  excellent  condition, 
and  the  fanatical  garrison  exhibited  every  where  so 
much  watchfulness  and  spirit,  that  Oberstein  was 
convinced,  that  a  storm  attempted  under  these  cir- 
cumstances might  indeed  conduct  his  soldiers  to 
butchery  but  would  not  accomplish  his  object.  Ac- 
cordingly, after  the  attempt  to  enter  the  city  by 
treason  from  within  had  been  frustrated,  the  com- 
mander contented  himself  with  closely  investing  it 
on  all  sides  and  cutting  off  its  supplies.  The  light 
minded  people  troubled  themselves  very  little  about 
this  investment  of  their  city,  at  first,  as  the  conse- 
quences were  not  immediately  felt ;  but  no  sooner 
did  the  scarcity  of  provisions  become  so  pressing  that 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  281 

the  public  tables  spread  by  order  of  the  king-  could 
no  longer  be  supplied,  and  the  people  actually  began 
to  feel  hunger,  than  their  spirits  began  to  sink,  and 
here  and  there  murmurings  and  complaints  were 
heard.  These  complaints,  to  be  sure,  were  made 
covertly,  from  fear  of  the  iron  sceptre  which  weighed 
upon  the  necks  of  the  free  and  privileged  anabaptists ; 
but  nevertheless  they  reached  the  ears  of  the  king, 
who  saw  that  something  must  be  done,  however 
unwillingly,  in  conformity  with  the  example  of  his 
bold  predecessor ;  and  he  therefore  determined  to 
try  how  far  fanaticism  and  cunning,  without  courage, 
would  answer  the  purpose.  Besides,  he  was  desirous 
of  ridding  himself  of  some  of  the  prophets,  who  were 
disposed  to  play  the  Samuel  to  his  Saul,  and  sought 
to  relieve  him  of  the  cares  of  government.  To  reach 
all  these  objects  with  one  blow,  he  devised  a  new 
piece  of  jugglery,  which  did  honor  at  least  to  his 
practical  knowledge  of  stage  effect. 


24^ 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


While  from  the  cathedral  yard  the  trumpet  blasts 
sounded  through  the  streets  as  if  they  were  blowing 
for  the  last  judgment,  Hanslein  rushed  into  Alf 's  shop 
in  complete  armor.  *  How,  comrade,  not  yet  in  arm- 
or ? '  cried  he.  '  Arm  thyself  and  thy  people  quickly. 
The  whole  community  is  called  together  to-day,  and 
none  should  fail  to  be  present.' 

'Is  the  enemy  already  at  the  gates?'  asked  Alf, 
busily  equipping  himself. 

'  Not  quite,  this  time,'  answered  Hanslein.  '  I 
hope,  too,  that  the  ceremonies  of  to-day  will  go 
off  peaceably.  We  may,  however,  expect  important 
occurrences.  The  prophet  Tuiskoshirer  has  com- 
manded the  king  to  hold  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
supper  at  the  cathedral,  and  then  send  out  his  apos- 
tles to  all  parts  of  the  world.  The  last  thought  is 
not  so  bad  ;  for  the  bishop  has  us  enclosed  within 
such  narrow  limits,  that  if  the  eloquence  of  our  orators 
does  not  succeed  in  bringing  us  speedy  help  from 
without,  it  will  soon  be  time  to  be  thinking  of  a 
decent  capitulation.' 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  283 

'  As  long  as  our  walls  stand,'  said  Alf,  '  and  we 
are  able  to  use  our  weapons,  I  do  not  fear  for  the 
city.' 

'  That  is  bravely  spoken,'  said  Hanslein,  *  but  I 
have  already  perceived  evidences  that  the  people 
begin  to  grow  hungry.  When  starvation  once  com- 
mences, it  will  be  easy  to  calculate  how  long  we  can 
keep  the  city,  and  when  the  strong  hands  in  which 
you  trust  will  become  powerless.  So  much  do  I 
know  of  the  state  of  affairs,  that  I  am  determined 
this  very  day  to  cut  off  my  connection  with  this  place, 
and  seek  an  opportunity  to  save  myself  quietly  before 
the  closing  of  the  gates.  A  good  cat  always  finds  a 
loop-hole,  and,  if  I  may  take  the  liberty,  I  wish  to 
give  you  a  friendly  invitation  to  accompany  me  in  my 
evasion.  By  heavens,  it  is  surely  better  to  be  off  in 
time,  than  to  stay  and  starve  here,  or  in  the  end  to 
become  too  intimately  acquainted  with  the  tender 
mercies  of  his  reverence's  bailiff,' 

During  this  conversation  Hanslein,  with  Alf  and 
his  men  had  arrived  at  the  church  yard,  through  the 
whole  of  which  were  placed  immensely  long  tables, 
covered  with  white  cloths.  Upon  these  tables  the 
royal  pages  were  serving  up  smoking  flesh  to  the 
great  satisfaction  of  the  men  of  Munster,  who,  to  the 
number  of  four  thousand  stout  hearts,  in  complete 
armor,  their  hungry  stomachs  tightly  compressed 
under  their  coats  of  mail,  were  standing  by. 

The  king  now  appeared  in  majestic  dignity,  wear- 
ing a  short  silk  body  coat  instead  of  his  royal  robes. 


284  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

At  a  signal  from  him  the  servants  placed  the  people 
at  the  tables.  After  a  short  prayer,  full  of  unction, 
he  nodded  graciously  to  the  multitude  and  the  repast 
began. 

After  the  first  course  had  been  consumed,  the 
roasted  meats  were  removed,  and  the  flagons  began 
to  circulate. 

*  This  is  a  strange  sort  of  a  holy  supper,'  whispered 
Alf  to  Hanslein,  as  he  passed  a  full  jug  to  him. 

'  It  appears  to  be  only  the  introduction,'  whispered 
Hanslein  in  answer.  '  It  is  a  sort  of  love  feast,  such 
as  was  customary  with  the  old  christians.  Have  but 
a  little  patience,  the  best  is  yet  to  come.' 

No  sooner  were  the  meats  gone,  than  the  king 
again  approached  the  assembly.  He  was  accompani- 
ed by  two  pages  of  honor,  w^ho  brought  the  holy 
bread  upon  golden  plates.  '  Take  and  eat,'  said  he, 
with  earnest  solemnity,  '  in  commemoration  of  the 
Lord's  death!'  Thus  saying,  he  went  through  the 
long  ranks,  breaking  the  bread  to  every  man,  who 
received  it  with  great  devotion.  Hanslein,  who  best 
knew  the  worthiness  of  the  new  high  priest,  was  not 
able  to  suppress  a  satirical  laugh,  when  his  turn 
came.  After  the  king,  followed  the  first  queen, 
the  beautiful  widow  of  Matthias,  in  a  simple  white 
dress,  the  golden  chalice  in  her  hand,  accompanied 
bv  the  second  and  third  queens,  who  brought  golden 
vessels  of  wine  after  her. 

As  she  came  to  Alf  for  the  purpose  of  presenting 
the  chalice  to  him,  she  started  back  in  soft  confusion, 
surprised   at   the   beauty  of  the  youth,   whose   dark 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  285 

curling  locks  contrasted  finely  with  his  blooming  face 
and  true  German  eyes.  Alf,  also,  paralysed  by  the 
appearance  of  such  wonderful  beauty  as  he  had 
never  before  seen,  remained  motionless.  Here  were 
more  than  Eliza's  and  Clara's  united  charms,  and  the 
tout-ensemhle  seemed  to  approach  perfection.  Large, 
full  and  voluptuous,  an  ideality  in  form,  arose  her 
stately  figure.  Her  queenly  bosom,  upon  which  her 
brown  locks  were  restlessly  waving,  shamed  the 
whiteness  of  her  dress  ;  and  her  alabaster  neck  was 
surmounted  by  a  cherub  head,  whose  deep  blue  in- 
terrogating eyes  spoke  so  plainly  of  soft  wishes  and 
glowing  desires,  that  Alf 's  senses  were  wrapped  in  a 
flame. 

'  Take  and  drink  ! '  murmured  the  sw^eet  vision, 
presenting  the  chalice  with  trembling  hands.  The 
youth  eagerly  drained  it,  while  his  eyes  were  immov- 
ably fixed  upon  the  dispenser,  who  was  so  disturbed  by 
his  gaze  that  she  forgot  the  last  words  of  the  ritual, 
and,  covered  with  crimson  blushes,  proceeded  to  his 
next  neighbor.  As  Eliza,  who  followed  her,  rustled 
by  Alf 's  seat,  she  gave  him  a  strange  look  with  those 
eyes  which  in  former  times  had  made  him  so  happy. 
There  was  much  in  that  glance  —  repentance,  grief, 
rage  and  jealousy  —  while  through  the  whole  was  yet 
to  be  discerned  a  glimpse  of  her  former  love ;  but 
the  impression,  which  that  glance  made  upon  Alf,  was 
not  strong  enough  to  withdraw  his  attention  from  the 
first  queen,  and  he  followed  her,  as  she  went  along 
the  ranks,  with  gleaming  eyes. 

At  that  moment   his  friend   Hanslein  passed  his 


286  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

hand  over  his  eyes,  and  said  in  an  under  tone,  '  forget 
not  my  brother,  that  it  is  the  first  queen  after  whom 
you  are  gazing,  and  that  our  lord  the  king  allows  no 
jesting  in  such  affairs.' 

*  Let  him  come  and  call  me  to  account  ! '  blustered 
Alf.  *  I  will  so  defend  myself,  that  of  a  thousand  ques- 
tions he  shall  not  answer  one.  Already  in  possession 
of  the  masterpiece  of  the  universe,  and  able  to  make 
his  selection  from  all  the  beauty  of  Munster,  he  has 
yet  torn  my  promised  bride  from  my  heart,  like  the 
merciless  rich  man  in  the  bible,  who,  despite  his 
numerous  flocks,  must  rob  his  poor  neighbor  of  his 
onl}^  lamb,  to  satisfy  his  wicked  appetite.' 

In  the  hymn  of  praise,  with  the  singing  of  which  by 
the  whole  assembly  the  festival  was  closed,  the  com- 
plaints of  the  youth  were  lost,  until  with  much  difficulty 
Hanslein  finally  succeeded  in  assuaging  his  anger. 

The  king  now  once  more  presented  himself  before 
the  multitude ;  this  time  in  full  regal  attire,  with  all 
the  insignia  of  his  high  office,  and  surrounded  by  his 
insignia  bearers  and  guards.  With  a  loud  voice  he 
asked  the  people  whether  they  were  prepared  to  fulfil 
the  will  of  God,  and  to  live  and  die  for  the  faith. 
Like  the  murmuring  of  the  ocean  before  a  storm,  a 
loud  awful  *  Aye  ! '  roared  through  the  human  mass 
standing  there. 

Then  from  behind  the  king,  pressed  forward  a  new 
prophet,  named  Wahrendorf.  '  Thus  saith  the  Lord,' 
cried  he  with  a  glowing  fanatical  enthusiasm  :  '  choose 
a  number  from  among  my  people  of  Zion,  and  let  them 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  287 

go  out  to  all  the  ends  of  the  earth,  to  work  miracles  and 
do  my  work  publicly  before  all  people.  Whoever 
receives  this  command  and  obeys  it  not,  shall  die  the 
death.' 

The  prophet  then  drew  forth  a  scroll  from  his 
bosom,  and  hastened  to  read  the  names  of  the  new 
missionaries.  The  prophet  Tuiskoshirer  drew  near  to 
the  reader  with  his  usual  knavish  smile,  to  listen ;  nod- 
ding his  head  exultingly  as  the  names  of  some  of  his  oppo- 
nents were  read  ;  but  when  he  heard  Wahrendorf  cry, 
'  John  Tuiskoshirer  I '  as  if  astounded  by  a  clap  of 
thunder  the  little  withered  man  shrunk  within  himself 
and  turned  his  red  glowing  eyes  upon  the  king.  '  I, 
also,  deceived!'  murmured  he  to  himself.  'The 
villain  shall  not  obtain  his  victory  easily.' 

'  Thou  errest,  my  brother  ! '  howled  he  to  Wahren- 
dorf: '  and  mistakest  the  word  of  man  for  the  voice  of 
the  Spirit.  The  night  before  the  last  I  had  a  vision, 
in  which  I  was  commanded  to  remain  in  Zion  to  guard 
these  flocks  from  their  adversaries.' 

*  Silence  ! '  thundered  the  king.  *  At  this  moment 
has  the  father  entrusted  to  me  an  important  duty,  for 
the  execution  of  v;hich  I  must  prepare,'  and,  beckoning 
to  his  guards,  they  dragged  before  him  a  mercenary 
soldier  in  chains. 

'  This  unhappy  man,'  said  the  king  solemnly  and 
significantly,  '  has,  like  a  second  Judas,  been  planning 
treason  against  Zion,  and  has  publicly  manifested  his 
wicked  intentions  through  disobedience  to  the  com- 
mandments of  the  Spirit.  His  blood  be  upon  his  own 
head.' 


288  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

The  king's  sword  swung,  the  head  of  the  victim  fell, 
and  the  horrible  man  stepped  directly  before  Tuisko- 
shirer  with  the  bloody  sword  in  his  hand  and  asked 
him,  '  what  hast  thou  particularly  to  say  to  this  assem- 
bly, my  brother  ? ' 

'  That  I  bow  myself  under  the  hand  of  the  Lord,' 
tremblingly  answered  Tuiskoshirer,  and  Wahren- 
dorf  proceeded  to  read  the  list  of  names  to  the  end. 

There  were  named,  in  the  whole,  eight  and  twenty 
missionaries.  The  king  dispersed  them  toward  Osna- 
bruck,  Coesfeld,  Warendorf  and  Soest.  *  Forsake 
every  thing,'  he  admonished  them,  '  fear  nothing,  and 
promulgate  the  faith.'  *  Amen  ! '  cried  the  multitude, 
as  they  departed  from  the  cathedral. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 


Alf  was  sitting  in  the  twilight  near  the  good 
Clara,  narrating  to  her  at  full  length  the  singular 
proceedings  at  the  cathedral,  at  which  he  had  been 
present,  when  his  friend  Hanslein  entered  in  a  state 
of  great  excitement. 

'  How  much  can  be  made  of  a  good-for-nothing 
fellow  ! '  cried  he.  '  Would  you  ever  have  thought, 
brother,  that  I  was  a  block  out  of  which  a  duke  could 
have  been  carved  ?  ' 

'  Duke  ! '  asked  Alf  in  astonishment,  supposing  that 
he  must  have  heard  falsely. 

'A  duke!  nothing  less!'  laughingly  answered 
Hanslein.  *  The  king's  majesty  has  become  a  little 
anxious  about  his  personal  safety  in  the  midst  of  his 
trusty  subjects;  and  he  no  longer  considers  his  dear 
life  entirely  secure  among  them.  He  has  therefore 
divided  Zion  into  twelve  districts  and  appointed  a  duke 
for  each,  from  among  his  trustiest  supporters  ;  and  he, 
with  an  adequate  military  force,  is  to  watch  over  the 
order  and  repose  of  his  district  and  smother  every 
disturbance  at  its  birth.  Having  become  such  a  thing, 
I  beg  of  you  to  show  me  all  proper  respect.' 
25 


290  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  What  new  experiment  will  not  this  wicked  king 
try  in  my  poor  native  city  ? '  sighed  Alf. 

'  This  lamentation  comes  from  sheer  envy,'  said 
Hanslein,  jestingly,  '  because  you  are  not  created 
a  duke.  Make  yourself  easy,  however ;  for  you  also 
are  raised  to  high  honors.  The  king  has  named  you 
commander  of  the  life  guards,  and  I  bring  you  his 
gracious  comm.ands  that  you  forthwith  appear  before 
him.  You  will  commence  duty  even  to-day,  that  the 
timid  tailor  may  this  night  sleep  under  the  safeguard 
of  your  good  sword.' 

'  I  commander  of  the  life  guards  ! '  repeated  Alf, 
moodily.  '  How  can  it  have  happened  that  the  king 
selected  me  ? ' 

'  That  has  happened  as  many  other  things  do  in  this 
vrorld,'  answered  Hanslein,  with  a  significant  smile. 
'  I  can  explain  all  these  things  satisfactorily  to  myself, 
and  I  consider  that  you,  with  the  command  of  the 
guards,  have  drawn  a  much  better  prize  than  I  with 
my  dukedom.  Enjoy  your  good  fortune  with  circum- 
spection.'    So  saying  he  departed. 

'  Strange  ! '  said  Alf,  buckling  on  again  his  scarcely 
laid  aside  coat  of  mail.  '  Strange  ! '  cried  he  again, 
as  he  girded  on  his  sword,  when  his  eye  fell  upon  a 
small  fresh  wine  spot  on  the  neck-piece  of  his  armor. 
The  charming  queen  with  the  chalice  instantly  stood 
before  his  mind's  eye,  and  an  obscure  suspicion  of  a 
connection  between  the  recent  occurrence  and  his 
present  elevation  sent  a  burning  blush  to  his  face. 
To   conceal  it,  he  pressed  the   knight's  helmet  low 


THE      ANABAPTIST.  291 

down  upon  his  forehead,  which  he  had  sought  out  as 
becoming  his  new  office,  extended  his  hand  to  the  good 
Clara  for  a  hasty  farewell,  and  with  winged  strides 
proceeded  toward  the  royal  palace. 

A  royal  page  conducted  him  immediately  to  the 
king,  who  advanced  to  meet  him  as  graciously  as  if 
he  had  been  born  to  a  throne. 

'  The  affair  of  the  bishop's  camp  has  proved  thee  to 
be  an  able  warrior,'  said  the  king,  w4th  a  dignity 
becoming  his  station ;  '  I  owe  thee  some  recompense 
for  a  great  loss  ;  and  thou  hast  moreover  been  so  much 
commended  on  all  sides,  that  I  have  determined  to 
bring  thee  nearer  to  my  person.  Thou  shalt  hence- 
forth lead  my  body  guard  as  its  commander ;  so  that 
the  head  upon  which  the  welfare  of  Zion  depends  may 
at  least  sleep  in  safety.' 

Alf  suggested  some  doubts  of  his  fitness  for  the 
office. 

'  No  qualifications  are  needed,'  replied  the  king, 
'  but  watchfulness,  courage  and  truth.  I  desire  no 
oath  from  you.  Christ  says,  '  Let  your  communication 
be  yea,  yea ;  nay,  nay :  for  whatsoever  is  more  than 
these  cometh  of  evil.'  Give  me  therefore  the  hand 
grip  of  an  honest  man,  that  you  will  be  my  faithful 
guard.' 

Alf  reluctantly  gave  his  right  hand  to  the  king,  for 
he  shuddered  at  the  idea  of  connecting  himself  per- 
sonally with  this  man  —  he  shuddered  at  touching  a 
hand  that  had  shed  so  much  blood. 


292  TALES     FR03I     THE     GERMAN. 

'  The  yeomen  of  the  guard  are  already  assigned  to 
you,'  proceeded  the  king;  'but  now  it  is  fitting  that 
you  be  introduced  to  the  first  queen  ; '  and  he  signified 
to  him  by  a  gracious  nod  that  the  audience  was  over. 
Alf  proceeded  with  a  beating  heart  towards  the 
apartments  of  the  queen. 

'  Walk  in  !  walk  in  ! '  cried  a  silvery  voice  in  the 
room,  at  the  door  of  which  Alf 's  name  and  dignity 
had  been  announced  by  the  lady  in  waiting.  He 
stepped  in.  Upon  an  elevated  and  gilded  chair,  in 
full  dignity,  sat  the  queen.  He  was  so  much  dazzled 
by  her  beauty  that  he  scarcely  observed  the  other  two 
queens,  who  were  sitting  upon  less  elevated  seats  on 
each  side  of  her. 

'  It  is  you,  young  man,'  said  the  enchantress,  in  the 
sweetest  tones,  '  whom  henceforth  we  shall  have  to 
thank  for  the  safety  of  our  days  and  the  tranquillity 
of  our  nights.' 

Alf  bowed  in  silence. 

'  Only  be  careful  continued  the  queen,  with  an 
alluring  smile,  *  that  you  do  not  rob  the  ladies  of  the 
palace  of  their  repose,  whom  it  is  your  duty  to  guard.' 

The  embarrassed  Alf  could  not  find  presence  of 
mind  to  enable  him  to  answer,  and  queen  Eliza  sprang 
from  her  seat  and  hastened  to  the  window. 

*  You  are  already  married  ? '  asked  the  queen. 

'  Only  engaged  —  I  am  —  I  was  —  and  am  half  way 
so  yet,'  stammered  Alf,  very  unintelligibly. 

'  And  the  other  half  ? '  asked  the  queen,  mischiev- 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  293 

ously.     Eliza  turned  her  burning  glance  upon  the  floor. 

'  Permit  me  to  be  silent  upon  that  point,'  said  Alf, 
with  becoming  modesty. 

The  charming  woman  extended  her  hand  to  him  to 
kiss. 

Alf  seized  it  hastily,  and  impressed  upon  the  warm, 
yielding,  velvet  skin  an  almost  endless  kiss,  believing 
at  the  same  time  that  he  felt  a  slight  pressure  from 
her  taper  fingers.  Reading  the  confirmation  of  his 
suspicions,  as  he  looked  up,  in  the  melting  eyes  of  the 
lady,  and  forgetting  every  thing  in  the  momentary 
transport,  he  spread  out  his  arms  as  if  he  would  have 
fallen  upon  her  neck. 

He  was  rebuked  however  by  a  severe  look ;  but  in 
contradiction  to  that  look,  the  queen  said  to  him  in  the 
tenderest  and  most  friendly  manner,  '  we  shall  see 
each  other  again  soon,'  —  and  dismissed  him. 

Intoxicated,  confused,  and  entirely  incapable  of 
connected  thought,  the  youth  withdrew. 


25^ 


chapte;^  xviil 


On  the  following  night  Alf,  installed  in  his  new 
office  and  fully  equipped,  sat  in  an  arm  chair  before 
the  door  of  the  royal  sleeping  apartments.  He  was 
even  light!}'  slumbering,  and  a  w^ell  known  trio  of 
beautiful  Avomen  led  by  the  god  of  dreams  were 
dancing  around  him,  when  he  was  dazzled  by  a  ray 
of  light  which  fell  suddenly  upon  his  face.  He 
awoke,  sprang  upon  his  feet  and  drew  his  sword. 

'  Put  up  your  sword,  brother,'  w^hispered  a  hoarse 
voice  to  him  ;  and  the  worthy  Tuiskoshirer,  in  his 
traveling  cloak,  with  his  bundle  swung  over  his  back 
and  a  dark  lantern  in  his  hand,  stood  before  him. 

'  What  do  you  w^ant  here  ? '  quickly  asked  Alf. 
'  Ought  you  not,  according  to  the  king's  command, 
to  have  been  already  on  your  way  to  Osnabruck  wdth 
your  companion  ? ' 

'  Yes,'  answered  Tuiskoshirer,  with  a  bitter  smile, 
'  so  has  the  great  king  w^ho  has  become  a  severe  and 
mighty  lord  over  our  heads  commanded ;  and  the 
leaders  who  faithfully  placed  him  upon  the  summit, 
he  scornfully  thrusts  from  him,  now  that  he  no  longer 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  '295 

needs  their  aid.  Luckily,  he  has  allowed  me  to  delay 
my  departure  a  few  hours,  and  a  skilful  head  can  ac- 
complish much  in  that  time.' 

'  Tell  me  briefly  what  you  want  of  me,'  said  Alf, 
'  and  then  take  yourself  hence,  that  your  chattering 
may  not  awaken  the  king.' 

'  God  forbid  ! '  hissed  Tuiskoshirer.  '  Who  would 
awaken  the  sleeping  tiger  ?  While  he  sleeps,  at 
least,  he  murders  not.  Rather  would  I  prolong  his 
sleep  into  eternity.' 

'  Man,  what  is  your  design  ?  '  exclaimed  Alf,  partly 
guessing  his  horrible  intentions. 

*  Thou  hast  already  once  rejected  my  good  will,' 
answered  Tuiskoshirer  ;  and,  since  this  ungrateful 
bedlamite  has  been  placed  upon  the  throne  to  which 
I  would  have  raised  thee,  thou  must  more  than  once 
have  regretted  thy  folly.  I  have  this  day  closely 
watched  thee,  and  know  the  magnet  with  which  thy 
apparently  insensible  and  rugged  nature  is  to  be 
moved.  Wherefore  I  have  taken  my  life  in  my 
hand,  and  once  more  ventured  into  this  den  of  mur- 
derers, to  offer  to  thee  life's  sweetest  blossoms,  which 
none  but  a  fool  would  leave  unplucked  when  they  fell 
in  his  path  radiant  with  exhaling  beauty.  Oppose 
me  not  now,'  begged  he,  as  Alf  was  about  to  reply. 
*  Thou  shalt  go  with  me,  and  see  and  hear  for 
thyself,  and  then  decide  as  may  seem  good  to  thee.' 

'  Whither  wouldst  thou  lead  me  ? '  asked  Alf, 
drawing  back. 

'  Do  you  not  suspect  ? '    asked  Tuiskoshirer,  smil- 


296  TALES     FRO  31     THE     GER3IAN. 

ing ;  and  Alf,  on  whom  a  light  suddenly  began  to 
dawn,  delightedly  followed  the  tempter,  who  led  him 
through  the  dark,  silent  passage  toward  the  apart- 
ments of  the  queen. 

'  We  have  attained  our  object,'  said  Tuiskoshirer, 
on  arriving  before  a  room  the  door  of  which  he  opened 
with  a  false  key.  They  entered  and  passed  through 
the  anti-chamber,  where  the  waiting  women  were 
sleeping,  to  the  bed-chamber  of  the  first  queen. 

'  Behold  I '  said  Tuiskoshirer,  impressively,  as  he 
directed  the  rays  from  his  lantern  upon  the  bed  in 
which  the  beauteous  woman  was  sleeping. 

Alf  drew  nearer.  A  heavenly  smile  played  upon 
the  sweet  face  of  the  queen,  to  which  a  sound  sleep 
gave  a  yet  lovelier  tint  of  rose.  Alf  was  about  to 
rush  forward,  when  Tuiskoshirer  forcibly  dragged 
him  back.  '  Wilt  thou  mar  all  ? '  whispered  the 
prophet  to  him  ;  '  and  deprive  thyself  of  the  greatest 
earthly  happiness  through  thy  impetuosity  ?  That 
beauteous  woman  shall  indeed  be  thine  ;  but  now  is 
not  the  time.  Such  ware  is  to  be  purchased  only  at 
a  price  about  which  we  must  have  some  conversation. 
As  yet  you  have  only  seen,  now  I  must  be  heard  ; 
and  when  you  have  decided,  act  w^th  the  speed  and 
energy  w^hich  become  a  man  about  to  attain  the 
accomplishment  of  all  his  dearest  wishes.' 

During  this  conversation  he  drew  the  youth  through 
the  rooms,  closed  the  last  with  his  false  key,  and  they 
w^ent  both  together  back  to  the  royal  anti-chamber. 
Tuiskoshirer,   in    whose   little   dull    eyes  twinkled  a 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  297 

hellish  triumph,  bolted  the  outer  door  on  the  inner 
side,  motioned  to  Alf  to  walk  softly,  and  cautiously 
opening  the  door  of  the  king's  bed-chamber  entered 
on  tiptoe,  making  a  sign  to  Alf  to  follow. 

Alf  obeyed,  and  both  now  stood  before  the  bed 
of  the  king,  near  which,  upon  velvet  cushions,  lay 
the  crown  and  other  emblems  of  royalty.  Tuisko- 
shirer  drew  aside  the  heavy,  purple,  gold-embroidered 
silk  curtains,  and  disclosed  the  sleeper  lying  there 
w^ith  open  staring  eyes,  large  drops  of  sweat  upon 
his  forehead,  froth  about  his  mouth,  and  clenched 
fists,  —  a  shocking  sight. 

*  The  king  is  ill  and  must  soon  awaken,'  said  Alf, 
apprehensively. 

'  Oh  no,'  said  Taiskoshirer,  calmly.  '  Since  sleep 
always  flies  the  night  couch  of  the  murderer,  he 
never  goes  to  bed  without  his  sleeping  draught.  He 
cannot  escape  the  dreams  which  then  torment  him 
undisturbedly ;  and  it  is  well,  that  in  this  life  he 
should  learn  something  of  that  world  of  spirits,  which 
darkly  and  heavily  rules  over  him  with  arm  already 
outstretched  for  his  terrible  reward.' 

*  Kneel  down  ! '  the  slumberer  now  cried.  *  Down  ! 
I  must  see  blood,  blood!'  and  he  swung  his  right 
arm  as  if  his  death-dealing  sword  was  at  its  usual 
occupation. 

'  I  have  first  shown  you  the  reward,'  said  Tuisko- 
shirer,  to  Alf,  — '  here  is  the  deed  which  is  to  merit 
it.  Here  sleeps  the  cowardly,  sensual,  cold,  murder- 
ous, inhuman  monster.     Thousands  more  will  he  yet 


298  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

destroy,  if  life  and  power  remain  to  him.  Can 
another  word  be  necessary  to  determine  your  course  ? 
Reject  not  again,  for  the  third  time,  the  good  fortune 
which  twice  you  have  thrust  from  you.  Here  lies 
the  king's  sword  drunk  with  innocent  blood,  —  one 
determined  thrust  therewith,  —  we  can  bruit  it  abroad 
that  he  has  committed  suicide, — Munster  will  be 
relieved  from  his  tyranny,  —  thou  wilt  mount  the 
vacant  throne,  thine  will  be  the  glorious  Gertrude, 
the  false  Eliza,  and  the  other  beauteous  wives,  —  and 
that  the  crown  shall  stand  firmly  upon  thy  head, 
leave  to  the  care  of  old  Tuiskoshirer,  who  will  give 
it  to  thee  in  the  presence  of  the  assembled  multitude.' 

Alf  stood  there  upon  the  narrow  passage  way, 
glanced  with  flashing  eyes  upon  the  sleeping  tyrant, 
and  his  hand  already  moved  towards  the  weapon. 

'  Now  strike  ! '  urged  Tuiskoshirer.  '  Every  mo- 
ment's delay  will  be  at  the  expense  of  human  life. 
Thou  wilt  take  upon  thyself  all  the  crimes  w^hich 
this  wretch  may  in  future  commit,  if  now  thou  sparest 
him,  through  foolish  tenderness.' 

The  true  German  honesty  had  soon  conquered  in 
the  pure  mind  of  the  youth.  '  He  has  my  pledge,' 
said  he  to  himself.  *  Confiding  in  my  faith  he  laid 
him  down  to  sleep.'  Then  Alf  turned  to  the  venom- 
ous little  man  with  all  the  fury  which  the  latter,  to 
satisfy  his  own  revenge,  had  kindled  in  his  breast ; 
suddenly  seizing  him  by  the  nape  of  his  neck,  he 
dragged  him  sprawling  through  all  the  apartments 
and  down  the  stairs,  until  he  reached  the  outer  door 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  299 

of  the  palace,  when  he  roughly  sat  him  down.  '  Go 
thy  ways  thither ! '  cried  the  youth,  pointing  the  way 
towards  Osnabruck,  '  and  if  thou  art  in  Munster  at 
sunrise,  I  will  expose  thee  to  the  king,  that  he  may 
execute  justice  upon  thee.' 

Gasping  for  breath  and  groaning  with  anguish, 
the  foiled  tempter  staggered  forth  into  the  midnight 
darkness  of  the  streets. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


MuNSTER  continued  to  sustain  herself  with  a  reso- 
lution worthy  of  a  better  cause.  At  the  imperial 
diet  at  Worms,  which  the  Romish  king  Ferdinand 
opened  in  April,  1535,  great  sums  were  granted  to 
the  besieging  bishop,  to  enable  him  to  support  the 
war  ;  but  as  the  payments  were  made  very  irregu- 
larly, the  scarcity  of  money  kindled  a  revolt  among 
the  mercenary  soldiery  in  the  bishop's  camp,  w^ho 
would  no  longer  serve  without  pay.  Nor  was  it 
without  great  trouble  and  peril  to  the  commander 
that  the  insurrection  could  be  suppressed.  With 
such  troublesome  troops,  offensive  warfare  was  not 
deemed  prudent.  Consequently,  the  besiegers  con- 
fined themselves  to  the  continuance  of  the  block- 
ade, and  to  drawing  their  lines  closer  and  closer,  so 
as  completely  to  shut  up  the  unfortunate  city  and 
deprive  it  of  supplies  and  assistance. 

Constantly  increasing  suffering  in  the  city,  was  the 
consequence  of  this  course.  The  poorer  classes, 
obliged  to  subsist  upon  roots,  herbs,  bark,  and  leaves, 
swarmed    about    the    king    with    sunken    eyes    and 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  301 

haggard  faces,  whenever  he  passed  through  the 
streets  in  lordly  dignity,  and  howled  for  bread. 
The  royal  courtiers  thenaselves  were  compelled  to 
accept  such  small  portions  as  could  be  spared  from 
the  table  where  sat  the  king  with  his  fourteen  wives 
and  principal  officers. 

In  vain  did  the  bishop  call  upon  the  citizens  to 
surrender  the  city,  under  promise  of  full  pardon  for 
all  except  the  king  and  a  few  of  his  principal  ac- 
complices. The  fear  of  the  terrible  Johannes  was 
stronger  than  the  ardent  desire  for  deliverance  which 
had  now  arisen  in  many  hearts.  In  vain  did  the 
landgrave  of  Hesse,  by  a  special  embassy  to  his 
brother  in  the  faith,  endeavor  to  bring  him  to  reason. 
The  king,  to  prove  how  much  greater  a  man  he  was 
than  the  landgrave,  refused  to  give  audience  to  his 
ambassadors,  and  thus  compelled  them  to  leave  their 
business  unaccomplished. 

Meanwhile  the  eight  and  twenty  prophets  had 
arrived  at  the  cities  of  their  destination,  and  had 
preached  their  customary  fanatical  nonsense  with 
frantic  zeal.  The  magistrates,  warned  by  the  ex- 
ample of  Munster,  were  vigilant  and  energetic. 
The  brawlers  were  every  where  arrested  and  ques- 
tioned as  to  their  doctrines ;  and,  as  they  stubbornly 
maintained  their  faith,  were  immediately  beheaded. 
Only  one  of  them,  Heinrich  Hilversum,  obtained 
deliverance.  He  was  imprisoned  by  the  bishop  of 
Munster,  bought  his  liberty  with  the  promise  that 
he  would  act.  as  a  spy  in  the  rebel  city,  and  returned 
26 


302  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

back  to  the  king.  He  related  how  an  angel  had 
delivered  him  from  imprisonment  and  commanded 
him  to  announce  to  the  king  that  Amsterdam,  Wesel, 
and  Deventer  would  come  under  his  sceptre  if  he 
would  send  more  prophets  there. 

These  were  sweet  sounds  to  the  ears  of  the  king. 
He  immediately  sent  out  prophets,  among  whom  were 
Johann  von  Seelen  and  Johann  von  Kempen,  to 
those  beautiful  and  important  cities,  to  convert  and 
win  them  for  himself.  The  smooth-tongued  Hilver- 
sum,  however,  he  took  into  his  own  palace,  clothed 
him  in  his  ash-grey  and  green  court-livery,  charged 
the  officers  of  the  court  to  attend  him,  entrusted  him 
with  considerable  sums,  and,  in  short,  confided  to 
him  the  duty  of  negotiating  with  those  from  whom 
aid  and  assistance  were  expected  from  without. 

With  these  presents  Hilversum  went  over  to  the 
bishop  on  the  first  convenient  opportunity ;  leaving  a 
letter  in  Munster  exhorting  the  citizens  to  desert  the 
impostor  and  return  to  their  old  religion  and  their 
rightful  lord. 

This  event  touched  the  king  in  the  tenderest  point; 
as  it  tended  to  destroy  the  belief  in  the  infallibility 
of  his  inspiration  with  those  who  were  yet  able  to 
see.  To  a  portion  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  distressed 
city  it  now  appeared  clear,  that  they  had  become  the 
slaves  of  a  wicked  impostor,  who  was  leading  them 
to  destruction ;  but  the  fear  of  the  monster  was 
stronger  than  this  just  conviction,  and  the  king, 
comprehending    that   fear  was    the    only  lever   now 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  303 

remaining  to  him,  made  the  utmost  use  of  it,  and 
thenceforth,  like  Draco,  he  wrote  his  laws  in  blood. 
No  punishment  milder  than  death  awaited  disobe- 
dience to  the  least  of  his  commands.  Alf,  notwith- 
standing, in  his  new  situation,  strove  to  shield,  defend, 
and  rescue  the  sufferers ;  yet  new  victims  fell  daily, 
and  the  slavish  population  daily  trembled  more  and 
more  before  their  cowardly  and  tyrannical  tailor- 
king. 


CHAPTER    XX. 


Meanwhile  Alf  went  on,  truly  and  honorably 
discharging  the  duties  of  his  office,  although,  after 
the  first  arrangement  had  been  effected  he  had  given 
up  the  personal  guard  of  the  royal  bedchamber  to 
other  officers,  reserving  to  himself  only  a  general 
nightly  superintendance ;  and  the  cruel  Johannes 
passed  his  nights  under  as  good  a  defence  as  if  angels 
with  flaming  swords  had  guarded  him.  His  'office, 
however,  daily  called  the  youth  to  the  palace,  and  he 
could  not  but  perceive  that  the  magnificent  Gertrude 
often  threw  herself  in  his  way.  She  evidently  loved 
the  beautiful  youth  as  only  an  unprincipled  woman 
can  love,  —  and  her  passion  had  nothing  to  combat 
but  the  fear  of  the  sultan  of  the  harem,  whose  dis« 
covery  of  the  least  infidelity  would  have  brought 
instant  death  upon  the  guilty.  Yet  so  powerful  was 
her  passion  that  it  conquered  even  this  fear. 

At  one  of  those  intoxicating  court  festivals  with 
which  the  king  sought  to  stupify  himself  and  those 
about  him,  Alf  was  standing  to  take  breath  after  a 
brisk  dance,  with  his  hands  behind  him,  when  sud- 


THE     ANABAPTIST,  305 

(lenly  he  felt  a  warm  soft  pressure  of  his  right  hand, 
a  piece  of  paper  heing  simultaneously  slipped  into  it, 
and  a  moment  afterwards  the  first  queen  stepped 
forward  from  behind  him,  giving  him  a  significant 
glance  as  she  passed.  He  left  the  room  immediately, 
and  by  the  nearest  lamp  in  the  corridor  read  the 
following  words  :  — 

'  An  hour  after  midnight,  in  the  upper  passage  on 
the  left ;  the  first  door.' 

Hastening  back  to  the  dancing-hall,  his  glowing 
cheeks  and  triumphant  carriage  immediately  be- 
trayed to  the  beauteous  syren,  that  he  had  read  and 
comprehended  her  billet, 

Meanwhile  the  midnight  hour  struck,  Gertrude 
was  suddenly  attacked  by  a  headache  and  suffered 
her  attendants  to  lead  her  to  her  chamber,  The  king 
smilingly  whispered  a  word  to  Eliza,  which  caused  a 
flush  to  pass  over  her  cheeks,  and  which  she  answered 
with  downcast  eyes.  The  assembly  gradually  depart- 
ed, and  Alf,  lost  in  pleasing  dreams,  proceeded  to  his 
dwelling. 

He  found  the  devoted  little  Clara  yet  patiently  wait- 
ing for  him,  occupying  herself  at  the  spinning  wheel  ; 
her  now  constantly  bright  eyes  a  little  dimmed  ;  but 
whether  from  late  watching,  or  weeping,  or  from  both 
together,  he  could  not  exactly  decide. 

'  I  began  to  think  you  were  not  coming  home  to- 
night,' said  the  maiden  in  a  friendly  tone,  which  yet 
had  something  of  sadness  in  it. 

'  The  dancing  to-night  continued  unusually  late,' 
26^ 


306  TALES     F  R  0  I\I     T  PI  E     GERMAN. 

replied  Alf;  casting  a  glance  at  the  mirror,  and 
coming  to  the  conclusion  that  he  was  right  worthy  of 
the  beauteous  queen,  he  proudly  pressed  his  richly 
plumed  cap  over  his  eyes. 

Meanwhile  Clara  had  lighted  his  chamber  lamp 
and  handed  it  to  him. 

'  T  am  going  out  again  immediately,  dear  Clara,' 
said  Alf,  with  some  little  embarrassment.  '  I  came 
merely  to  tell  5'ou,  that  you  might  not  sit  up  all  night 
waiting  for  me.' 

'  You  are  going  out  again  ? '  asked  Clara,  looking 
intently  at  him.  '  This  is  not  your  time  for  guard 
duty.' 

'  The  feast  of  to-day  has  disturbed  all  our  arrange- 
ments,' stammered  Alf  with  embarrassment.  '  I 
must  actually  go  to  the  palace  once  more  to-night.' 

Clara  seized  his  hand  with  both  of  hers,  and  with 
her  mild  honest  eyes  gave  him  a  piercing  look.  His 
guilty  conscience  deprived  him  of  the  power  to 
meet  her  gaze.  '  Kippenbrock,'  cried  she,  suddenly 
alarmed,  ^  are  you  not  going  for  some  wicked  pur- 
pose ? ' 

•  You  are  already  dreaming,  from  having  watched 
so  long,  my  child.  Go  to  bed,  pretty  one,'  said  Alf, 
bending  down  to  kiss  the  maiden  as  he  wished  her 
good  night  ;  a  friendly  habit  in  which  he  had  for 
some  time  indulged.  But  Clara  avoided  his  embrace, 
saying  earnestly  to  him,  '  not  this  evening,  dear 
Kippenbrock,  all  is  not  as  it  should  be.' 

'  You  are  a  little  simpleton  I '  cried  he  half  indig- 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  307 

nantly,  and  hastened  forth  as  if  he  wished  to  run 
away  from  the  unpleasant  feelings  her  suspicions 
had  given  him.  As  the  third  quarter  after  midnight 
struck,  he  stood  by  the  stove,  closely  wrapped  in  his 
mantle,  in  the  upper  passage  way  of  the  palace, 
watching  with  anxious  eyes,  by  the  dim  light  of  the 
almost  expiring  lamps,  the  first  door  on  the  left. 
Finally,  the  hour  struck,  and  still  no  door  was 
opened. 

'  It  is  in  reality  a  great  wrong  for  me  to  be  stand- 
ing here,'  said  Alf  to  himself.  '  Let  the  king  now 
be  what  he  may,  and  do  what  he  will,  yet  I  have 
once  for  all  acknowledged  him  as  my  lord,  and  this 
Gertrude  is  his  wife.  It  is  the  duty  of  my  office  to 
preserve  order  and  propriety  in  the  royal  palace, 
which  I  in  intention  am  so  vile  as  to  violate.  More- 
over, I  encroach  upon  the  rights  of  the  good  Clara, 
who  so  secretly  and  tenderly  loves  me,  and  whom  I 
should  look  upon  as  my  affianced  bride.  Did  she 
but  know  that  I  was  standing  here  waiting  for  the 
creaking  of  that  door,  she  would  weep  her  eyes  out 
of  her  head  ;  and  she  even  appeared  to  suspect  some 
intrigue.  Her  manner  toward  me  appeared  very 
strange  at  my  departure.  Good  God !  with  what 
face  shall  I  appear  before  her  in  the  morning  !  No  ! 
it  is  settled,  —  the  beautiful  Gertrude  shall  wait  for 
me  in  vain,  and  thus  shall  we  both  be  spared  a  sin.' 


CHAPTER    XXI. 


On  the  subsequent  morning  Alf  was  standing  in 
the  king's  anti-chamber  awaiting  his  commands  for 
the  day.  There  came  the  high  bailiff  Krechting,  a 
raging  fanatic,  a  true  second  Johannes,  with  some 
soldiers  who  were  dragging  along  two  of  the  royal 
pages,  bound.  Alf  perceived  by  their  faces,  which 
hunger  and  affliction  had  paled  and  emaciated,  that 
they  were  the  two  whom  he  had  rescued  from  the 
hands  of  Matthias,  and  compassionately  asked  the 
bailiff  what  crime  the  poor  children  had  committed. 

'  We  caught  them  in  the  outworks,'  answered  the 
bailiff  fiercely,  *  as  they  were  attempting  to  escape  to 
their  old  lord,  the  bishop.  Announce  us  to  the  king, 
brother  officer.' 

'  Alas  !  dear  lord,'  said  one  of  the  boys,  weeping ; 
'  we  have  certainly  done  nothing ;  but  we  could  no 
longer  hold  out  for  hunger.' 

'  This  affair  might  well  be  overlooked,'  said  Alf. 
'  To  announce  the  children  to  the  king  is  to  lead 
them  to  death,  —  and  I  do  not  wish  to  take  upon  my 
conscience  such  bloodguiltiness.' 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  309 

The  bailiff  gave  him  a  venomous  look  and  hastily- 
stepped  into  the  royal  apartment.  He  soon  made  a 
signal  at  the  door,  and  the  soldiers  dragged  the  boys 
in  after  him.  Immediately  a  loud  noise  was  heard 
Vvdthin,  —  the  king  stormed,  the  boys  wept  and  plead 
pitifully,  and  amidst  all  arose  Eliza's  supplicating 
voice.  '  For  our  love's  sake,  Johannes,  only  for  this 
time  let  mercy  take  the  place  of  justice  !'  Simulta- 
neously were  heard  the  lamentations  of  the  two  boys. 
Alf  heard  two  hard  falls  upon  the  floor,  and,  as  if 
drawn  by  some  irresistible  power,  he  pushed  into  the 
apartment. 

What  horrors  had  been  perpetrated !  The  two 
boys  lay  dead  upon  the  floor,  the  king  strode  before 
them  with  his  sword  drawn,  and  at  his  feet  lay  Eliza, 
who  loosed  her  arms  from  his  knees  and  sprang  up. 
Excited  by  the  cruelty  of  her  husband,  and  by  her 
having  pleaded  in  vain  against  what  he  had  done, 
the  proud  woman  now  exclaimed  in  the  bitterest  tone,. 
'  I  do  not  believe,  Johannes,  that  our  God  is  served 
by  the  calamities  you  have  brought  upon  this  people.' 

Krechting  absolutely  screamed  with  amazement  at 
the  audacious  speech.  The  king,  however,  merely 
gave  Eliza  a  cold,  satanic  glance,  and  quietly  said  to 
her,  '  in  the  market-place  will  I  answer  thee  upon 
that  matter.'  Turning  then  to  Alf,  '  let  my  wives 
and  my  whole  court  be  summoned  hither  ! '  com- 
manded he  him.  *  Also  let  my  trumpeters  and  fifers 
assemble,  —  we  would  move  to  the  market-place, 
where  I  have  to-day  to   exercise  my  judicial  office 


310  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

before  the  whole  people.     Thou  wilt  accompany  me, 
Kippenbrock,  with  thy  whole  band.' 

This  strange  solemnity  excited  various  evil  fore- 
bodings in  the  mind  of  Alf,  and  with  a  heavy  heart 
he  proceeded  to  execute  the  king's  commands. 


CHAPTER    XXII. 


The  multitude  crowded  the  market-place,  waiting 
to  see  what  new  thing  was  to  be  done  there.  Then 
sounded  in  the  distance  a  solemn  funeral  march  from 
the  trumpets  and  horns,  and  duke  Hanslein  with  his 
soldiers  formed  a  wide  circle  to  admit  the  king  and 
his  household. 

Next  came  the  procession.  After  the  music  fol- 
lowed Alf,  with  a  division  of  his  guards ;  then  the 
king,  and  then'the  high  bailiff;  between  them,  yet 
in  her  night-gown,  pale  and  tottering,  with  streaming 
hair  and  folded  hands,  Eliza.  After  these  followed 
the  stately  Gertrude,  the  other  wives,  and  the  persons 
connected  with  the  court.  Another  division  of  the 
guards  closed. 

At  a  signal  from  the  king,  Krechting  stepped  rev- 
erently back  and  the  thirteen  wives  formed  a  circle 
about  their  lord  and  Eliza.  '  Kneel  down,  ye  pure  ! ' 
thundered  the  king,  and  the  circle  of  women  fell 
upon  their  knees  ;  in  an  instant  the  king's  sword 
glistened  in  the  air  and  Eliza's  head  flew  from  its 
bloody  trunk  ! 


312  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'Accursed  murderer,'  screamed  Alf,  frantic  with 
grief  and  terror  at  the  wholly  unexpected  death  of 
the  once  so  well  beloved  woman,  and  sprang  forward 
with  high  waving  sword  to  hew  down  the  king  where 
he  stood.  The  faithful  Hanslein  caught  his  upraised 
arm.  '  Good  colonel,'  cried  he,  '  it  was  only  yester- 
day that  you  were  sick  with  a  fever,  and  now  the 
paroxysms  have  returned  again.  Help  me,  friends,  to 
overpow^er  him  and  bear  him  to  his  house  where  he 
can  be  taken  care  of.' 

He  was  seized  by  the  guards  from  all  sides,  and 
notwithstanding  his  furious  opposition,  was  soon  dis- 
armed and  carried  away. 

'  The  person  who  has  been  judged  has  blasphemed 
the  Spirit  as  manifested  through  her  king  and  hus- 
band,' said  Johannes,  to  the  people.  '  She  had  in  a 
spiritual  sense  broken  her  marriage  vows,  and  well 
deserved  her  punishment.     Give  to  God  the  glory  ! ' 

The  remaining  thirteen  wives  rose  up  and  with 
clear  voices  sang,  '  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest  ! ' 
The  horns  and  the  trumpets  triumphantly  fell  in.  The 
king  seized  Gertrude's  hand  and  commenced  a  merry 
dance  with  her  upon  the  open  market-place.  The 
other  wives  and  the  courtiers  followed  the  high  ex- 
ample. The  poor  infatuated  people  likewise  joined 
in  the  dance  and  sprang  actively  about,  notwithstand- 
ing their  empty  stomachs  ;  and  from  all  mouths  arose 
the  cry  of  jubilee  ;  '  glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest !' 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


The  disease  which  Hanslein  had  invented,  in  his 
well  intended  eagerness  to  save  Alf,  had  seized  him 
in  good  earnest.  The  disquiet  of  mind  in  which  the 
youth  had  been  kept  through  the  most  diverse  and 
almost  always  terrible  occurrences,  —  the  storm,  so 
every  way  affecting,  which  had  lacerated  the  deepest 
recesses  of  his  heart,  —  above  all,  the  daily  increasing 
conviction  of  the  flagitiousness  of  the  new  doctrines  to 
which  he  had  adhered  so  strongly,  —  and  the  remorse 
of  conscience  for  the  part  which  he  had  acted,  —  all 
this  had  destroyed  the  freshness  of  his  youthful  vigor  ; 
and  only  the  tension  in  which  his  mind  was  kept  by 
the  constantly  recurring  horrors  of  every  succeeding 
day,  gave  him  the  artificial  support,  which  had  hitherto 
kept  him  up.  The  last  act  of  Johannes,  the  tender 
interest  which  Alf  still  felt  for  the  fair  victim,  and  the 
frustration  of  his  just  vengeance  upon  the  infamous 
murderer,  had  weighed  down  the  poor  youth  with 
resistless  power,  and  he  lay  many  weeks  in  Trutlinger's 
house  in  a  high  fever,  carefully  waited  upon  and  nursed 
by  the  pale  and  pensive  Clara. 
27 


314  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

The  energies  of  youth  finally  prevailed  over  the 
fever.  When  once  the  crisis  had  passed,  his  strength 
returned  as  quickly  as  it  had  flown  ;  and  Alf  had  even 
left  his  room  for  the  fl.rst  time,  to  enjoy  the  mild  air 
and  warm  sun  of  summer,  when  he  encountered  his 
friend  Hanslein,  who,  in  spite  of  all  resistance,  cor- 
dially embraced  and  congratulated  him  on  his  re- 
covery. 

'  Go  thy  w^ay ! '  said  Alf,  angrily.  *  With  the 
defender  of  tyrants  I  have  no  more  to  do  in  this  life.' 

'  Always  precipitate,'  laughed  Hanslein ;  *  and  al- 
ways letting  your  heart  run  away  with  your  head.  It 
was  ever  your  way  when  a  boy.  I  considered  for 
you  better  than  you  considered  for  yourself.  The  poor 
queen  once  dead,  we  could  do  nothing  more  to  help 
her.  You  might  indeed  have  destroyed  the  king, 
but  the  fanatical  people  would  have  torn  you  to  pieces 
for  it  on  the  spot ;  that  would  have  been  paying  a 
greater  price  than  his  majesty's  life  was  worth.  Nor 
would  Munster  have  gained  any  thing,  Knipperdol- 
ling  &  Co.  would  have  possessed  themselves  of  the 
government,  and  it  would  thereby  have  remained  the 
executioner's  head  quarters  as  before.  I  have  there- 
fore preserved  you  for  greater  things,  which,  now  that 
you  are  so  well  upon  your  legs  again,  we  may  soon 
see.' 

Alf  looked  inquiringly  at  his  friend,  and  suffered 
himself  to  be  led  by  him  back  to  his  own  sitting  room 
and  to  be  seated  upon  a  stool. 

'  The  affairs  of  Munster  stand  badly,'  said  Hanslein. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  315 

'  The  famine  increases,  and  I  see  the  moment  very 
near  when  the  unhappy  people  will  be  driven  to 
despair.  Succor  is  not  to  he  expected.  At  Bolswart 
in  Friesland,  the  strongest  power  of  th-e  anabaptists 
had  been  collected,  and  would  soon  have  marched  to 
our  aid;  but  the  governor  of  Friesland  surrounded 
the  place  with  his  forces,  and  after  four  assaults  forced 
it,  putting  almost  the  whole  population  to  the  sword. 
In  Amsterdam,  von  Kempen  and  von  Seelen  have  done 
their  best  to  bring  us  aid.  As  the  council  and  chief 
burghers  of  the  cross-guild  retired  from  the  council- 
room,  our  people  stormed  the  city  hall,  overpowered  all 
who  opposed  them,  and  the  burgomasters,  Peter  Colyn 
and  Simon  Bute,  were  left  dead  upon  the  spot ;  but  the 
burgomaster  G.oswin  Rekalf  collected  the  citizens,  a  se- 
verely contested  battle  ensued,  and  our  people  were 
slain,  or  taken  and  executed,  including  poor  Kempen, 
who  had  caused  himself  to  be  declared  bishop  of  Amster- 
dam. Seelen  exposed  himself  upon  the  tower  of  the 
city  hall,  where  he  was  afterwards  shot  down  and  fell 
dead  upon  the  market  place.  With  him  expired  our 
last  hope.' 

'  Oh  God,  will  these  horrors  never  end  ? '  sighed 
Alf,  casting  his  eyes  toward  heaven. 

'  Here  probably  soon,'  said  Hanslein ;  *  but  it  will 
be  a  fearful  end.  The  city  must  shortly  surrender, 
and  then  the  lord  bishop  Franciscus  may  not  treat  us 
more  mildly  than  king  Johannes  has  hitherto  done. 
I  have  least  reason  to  hope  for  pardon  then,  and  have 
therefore  determined  to  go  back  to  my  old  master  im- 


316       TALES  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

mediately.  I  have  discovered  a  place  through  which 
an  escape  from  the  city  can  be  made.  By  the  same 
way  I  trust  I  can  lead  the  troops  of  the  enemy  into 
Munster,  and  with  this  secret  I  intend  to  purchase  my 
peace  with  the  bishop.  Will  you  make  the  experi- 
ment with  me  this  night  ?  The  sentinels  now  upon 
the  night  posts  sleep  away  their  hunger  and  will  not 
hinder  us.' 

^  My  father's  house  is  a  house  of  prayer,'  said  Alf, 
after  musing  a  long  time ;  *  but  you  have  made  it  a 
den  of  murderers.  Yes,  the  originally  pure  doctrine 
of  the  anabaptists  might  perhaps  have  been  a  glorious 
gift  from  the  merciful  hand  of  God ;  —  but  the  mon- 
sters, who  preach  it  to  us,  have  so  perverted  it  according 
to  their  own  wicked  purposes,  and  shed  so  much  blood 
in  its  name,  that  its  noble  image  can  no  longer  be 
recognized.  A  doctrine  which  empowers  a  Johannes 
to  rage  among  mankind  like  a  famished  wolf  among 
defenceless  lambs,  cannot  come  from  God.  I  disclaim 
it.  May  God  forgive  me  that  I  also  have  labored  and 
fought  for  a  cause  which  must  have  been  wicked, 
since  it  elevated  the  bad  and  destroyed  the  good.' 

'  Thou  wilt  accompany  me  then!'  asked  Hanslein, 
giving  his  hand  a  friendly  pressure. 

'  If  Clara  can  and  will  go  with  us,'  answered  Alf. 
'  I  have  loved  her  uncle,  whom  they  shot,  and  cannot 
leave  her  behind  in  a  city  upon  which  all  the  horrors 
of  war  are  soon  to  fall.' 

At  that  moment  Clara  entered  the  room  to  set  be- 
fore the  guest  what  the  house  afforded  at  a  time  when 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  317 

provisions  outweighed  gold,  —  a  cup  of  water  and  a 
slice  of  bread  w^ith  salt. 

*  You  come  to  us  too  confidingly,  young  lady,'  said 
Hanslein  jestingly,  while  he  helped  himself.  *  We 
have  evil  thoughts  concerning  you,  —  we  have  an  idea 
of  taking  you  out  of  Munster.' 

'  Ah,  would  to  God  ! '  sighed  the  maiden. 

'  The  jest  is  earnest,'  said  Alf.  *  This  night  I  and  my 
friend  intend  to  leave  Munster,  if  you  will  accompany 
us,  my  little  Clara.' 

'Through  the  whole  world!'  cried  Clara  with 
heartfelt  fervor.  '  Whom  have  I  on  earth  beside 
you?' 

'  So  then  the  thing  is  settled,'  cried  Hanslein. 
'  Prepare  yourselves  for  the  journey  ;  but  do  not  en- 
cumber yourselves  with  needless  baggage.  No  armor, 
Alf.  A  short  sword  will  be  sufficient  for  all  emergen- 
cies. Clara  had  better  put  on  male  attire  —  there  will 
be  some  places  difficult  to  climb,  and  I  cannot  allow 
any  thing  that  might  prove  an  obstacle  to  the  rapidity 
of  our  movements.  Hold  yourselves  in  readiness ; 
for  I  shall  come  for  you  precisely  at  midnight.'  He 
departed.  Intoxicated  with  joy  at  the  near  approach 
of  her  deliverance,  Clara  threw  her  arms  affectionately 
around  the  youth  and  cried,  '  wdthyou  out  of  this  place 
of  torment,  dear  Alf!  Now  for  the  first  time  I  have 
reason  to  hope  that  there  is  earthly  happiness  in  store 

for  me  yet.' 

27# 


CHAPTER    XXIV. 


Softly  creeping  by  the  sleeping  sentinels,  climbing 
walls  and  wading  through  ditches,  the  three  fugitives 
proceeded  in  the  dead  of  the  night,  until  they  finally 
found  themselves  in  freedom ;  and  then  with  fresh 
confidence  they  moved  onward  toward  the  besiegers' 
camp  fires. 

Soon  a  clattering  of  arms  was  heard  near  them,  and 
a  rough  voice  cried,  *  Who  goes  there  ? ' 

*  I  have  no  desire  to  be  caught  here,'  whispered 
Hanslein  to  Alf;  'for  in  that  case  I  should  get  no 
credit  for  my  voluntary  return,  which  I  particularly 
need  on  account  of  old  scores.  Wherefore  I  must 
endeavor  to  reach  the  bishop  through  indirect  paths, 
while  you  boldly  go  straight  forward.' 

'  Who  goes  there  ? '  cried  the  challenger  much  louder. 

'A  friend  !'  answered  Alf,  whilst  Hanslein  went  off 
to  the  right  with  great  rapidity ;  '  deserters  from 
Munster  ! '  and  in  a  moment  he  and  the  trembling 
Clara  were  surrounded  by  a  squad  of  soldiers. 

'  Deserters  ?  '  asked  the  serjeant  who  led  the  squad. 
'  It  is  a  question  whether  that  title  will  save  your  lives. 


THE      ANABAPTIST.  319 

In  these  days  a  thousand  Munsterers  have  come  out, 
men,  women  and  children,  and  a  good  part  of  the  men 
were  cut  down  as  they  came  in,  by  the  bishop's  com- 
mand.' 

'  It  is  t^e  curse  of  these  combats  for  opinion,'  said 
Alf,  sorrowfully,  '  that  even  those,  who  are  on  the  right 
side,  are  provoked  to  do  wrong  by  the  crimes  of  their 
opponents  —  and  then  other  crimes  are  the  conse- 
quence, until  the  horrible  chain  of  wickedness  is 
closed  by  the  conversion  of  men  into  relentless  de- 
stroyers, in  whose  breasts  the  voice  of  religion  and 
mercy  is  stifled.' 

'•  You  talk  it  as  solemnly,'  sneered  the  serjeant,  *  as 
if  you  were  one  of  the  prophets  of  Munster.  First  of 
all  give  up  your  sword  and  follow  us  into  the  camp, 
together  with  your  boy.  The  bishop  must  decide 
upon  your  case.' 

'  I  wish  previously  to  be  conducted  to  your  field 
captain,'  said  Alf  in  a  decided  tone. 

'  You  speak  as  if  you  were  our  captain  instead  of 
our  prisoner,'  snarled  the  serjeant.  *  It  will  be  neces- 
sary first  to  ascertain,  whether  the  lord  general  will 
permit  you  to  be  brought  to  him.  For  the  present, 
forward,  march  ! ' 

'  God  preserve  us  ! '  softly  murmured  the  timid  Clara, 
clinging  closely  to  her  protector. 

'  Do  not  be  alarmed,  my  little  Clara,'  said  Alf,  con- 
solingly. 'All  will  go  well.'  They  proceeded  with 
the  soldiers  rapidly  towards  the  camp. 


CHAPTER    XXV. 


A  FIXE  June  morning  was  shining  upon  the  camp, 
as  Alf  and  Clara  stood  waiting  with  their  escort  before 
the  tent  of  the  commander  in  chief.  There  came  out 
of  the  tent  a  tall,  meagre  clerg^^man,  in  his  black 
clerical  dress.  He  started  when  he  saw  the  youth, 
and  asked  the  serjeant,  '  who  are  these  people  ?' 

'  Deserters  from  Munster,'  answered  the  serjeant, 
'  whom  we  found  last  night.  They  insist  upon  seeing 
the  general.' 

The  preacher  having  closely  scrutinized  Alf,  who 
stood  there  absorbed  in  his  own  reflections,  approached 
and  spoke  to  him,  taking  his  hand  in  the  most  friendly 
manner.  *  Do  I  see  you  again  as  a  deserter  ?  Now, 
God  be  praised,  my  prophecy  is  fulfilled  ! ' 

'  Reverend  doctor  !'  cried  Alf  in  joyful  surprise,  as 
he  recognised  the  good  Fabricius. 

'  So,  the  disorders  in  the  new  Zion  have  become  too 
great  for  you  ? '  asked  the  latter.  '  I  only  wonder  that 
you  had  not  come  to  the  conclusion  long  ago,  —  that 
xviih  your  heart  and  head  you  could  for  so  long  a  time 
have  been  a  contented  observer  of  their  pagan  cruelty.' 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  321 

'  When  Germans  have  once  become  united  with  a 
ruler  chosen  by  themselves,  worthy  sir,'  answered  Alf, 
'  they  can  be  disunited  only  by  hard  blows,  else  they 
will  hang  fast  to  him  until  death.' 

'  The  hard  blows,  I  perceive,  have  been  given  and 
received,'  said  Fabricius.  '  So  you  have  again  become 
one  of  us.' 

'  With  all  my  heart  and  soul,'  answered  Alf  Avith 
great  ardor. 

'  We  will  leave  the  remainder  of  this  for  the  con- 
fessional, where  I  may  soon  expect  you,'  said  Fabri- 
cius. 'At  present  I  must  exert  myself  to  prepare  for 
you  a  good  reception  from  the  commanding  general.' 

Again  most  cordially  shaking  Alf 's  hand,  he  passed 
into  the  tent.  Shortly  afterward  the  youth  and  his 
girl-boy  were  bid  to  enter.  Lord  Oberstein  was  sitting 
with  the  doctor  at  the  field  table,  taking  his  morning 
draught. 

'  Come  nearer  ! '  commanded  the  general,  sternly. 
'  What  have  you  to  disclose  to  me  ? ' 

The  voice  of  the  questioner  satisfied  Alf,  that  it  was 
the  commander  in  chief  whom  he  had  caught  and 
released  on  a  former  night ;  he  however  concealed  this 
recognition. 

'  To  make  an  end  of  the  calamities  of  the  city,' 
answered  he,  '  I  am  prepared  to  show  your  soldiers  a 
way  to  enter  Munster  —  the  same  way  by  which  I 
have  myself  quitted  it.' 

'  I  recognise  that  voice  !'  cried  Oberstein,  springing 
up,  and  stepping  directly  in  front  of  the  youth.     '  We 


322  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

have  met  before,'  said  he ;  *  it  surely  Avas  in  the  out- 
works before  the  new  gate,  by  moonlight.  You  were 
the  officer  who  took  me  prisoner  and  then  let  me  run  ? 
Is  it  not  so  ? ' 

'  I  was  very  glad,'  answered  Alf,  '  that  it  was  in  my 
power  to  save  so  old  and  merry  a  warrior.' 

'  And  now  are  you  willing  to  deliver  the  city  to  me  ? ' 
proceeded  Oberstein ;  '  to  make  a  short  ending  to  her 
long  sufferings  ?  You  make  me  doubly  your  debtor ; 
your  reward  shall  be  great.' 

'  Of  myself  little  need  be  said,'  answered  Alf. 
'  My  conditions  are  only  pardon  for  myself  and  my 
companion,  and  that  the  conqueror  of  the  city  shall 
distinguish  between  the  miscreants  who  have  wilfully 
erred,  and  those  who  with  honest  intentions  have  been 
led  astray,  and  spare  the  latter.' 

'  We  must  act  according  to  the  instructions  of  the 
diet  of  Worms,'  said  Oberstein.  '  Whoever  has  not 
belonged  to  the  leaders,  and  come  not  against  us  in 
arms,  to  them  is  given  life  and  freedom.' 

'  Then  should  the  lord  bishop,'  boldly  replied  Alf, 
'  have  extended  mercy  to  the  unhappy  refugees  who 
have  lately  been  fleeing  from  the  city.' 

'  The  bishop  was  exceedingly  exasperated  by  events 
which  accompanied  the  revolution  ! '  answered  the 
general,  shrugging  his  shoulders  ;  *  and  an  angry  man 
does  not  always  what  is  right  in  the  sight  of  God.' 

His  eyes  now  fell  upon  Clara,  who  had  timidly 
placed  herself  in  an  angle  of  the  tent  near  the  door. 

'  Who  is  that  pretty  boy  ? '  asked  he.     '  Some  one 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  323 

of  the  bishop's  pages  ?  It  is  to  be  hoped  so.  Two 
pages  were  made  prisoners  by  the  anabaptists  and 
carried  off  at  the  time  they  attacked  our  camp  at  the 
beginning  of  the  siege.  To  one  of  them  particularly 
the  worthy  bishop  was  attached  by  a  truly  paternal 
affection.' 

'  Those  boys  have  also  fallen  a  sacrifice  to  the  bar- 
barity of  the  king,'  answered  Alf.  '  This  maiden  is 
the  sister  of  the  queen  Eliza,  who  paid  with  her  head 
for  having  lamented  the  murder  of  the  innocents.' 

^  Great  God,  what  an  accumulation  of  crime  ! '  cried 
Oberstein,  while  Fabricius  with  upraised  finger  re- 
provingly asked,  '  have  you  brought  with  you  a  maiden 
in  man's  attire  ?  Must  there  not  yet  remain  something 
of  the  old  anabaptist  leaven  in  you,  which  may  in 
time  again  leaven  the  whole  lump,  destroying  your 
morals  for  time  and  eternity  ? ' 

'All  in  honor,  dear  doctor,'  protested  Alf ;  'and  I 
shall  have  to  request  you,  as  soon  as  may  be  conven- 
ient, to  unite  me  in  honorable  marriage  with  this 
blameless  maiden,  who  is  my  beloved  and  betrothed 
bride.' 

'  That  alters  the  case,'  said  Fabricius,  affectionately 
patting  Clara's  velvet  cheeks.  '  May  God  keep  us  in 
the  good  old  order.' 

'  The  lord  bishop's  reverend  and  princely  grace,' 
said  an  episcopalian  officer,  stepping  in,  '  sends  his 
compliments  to  the  lord  general  and  politely  requests 
him  to  repair  immediately  to  his  presence.  An  ana- 
baptist prisoner  has  brought  before  him  some  matters 


324  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

of  consequence,  which  demand  a  sudden  meeting  of 
the  council.' 

'  You  shall  accompany  me  there,'  said  Oberstein  to 
Alf. 

'  But  where  shall  I  remain  ? '  anxiously  whispered 
Clara  to  her  betrothed. 

*  May  I  be  permitted  to  confide  the  maiden  to  your 
care,  worthy  sir  ? '  asked  Alf  of  the  doctor. 

'  I  will  foster  and  protect  her  like  a  beloved  daugh- 
ter,' answered  Fabricius,  taking  Clara  by  the  hand,  — 
and  with  a  light  heart  the  youth  then  followed  the 
ofeneral. 


CHAPTER   XXVI. 


Glowing  with  anger  and  sorrow,  Graf  von  Wal- 
deck,  bishop  of  Munster,  strode  up  and  down  in  his 
gilded  tent.  At  the  door,  with  a  pale  malefactor 
face,  stood  poor  Hanslein,  in  chains,  and  surrounded 
by  guards.     Oberstein  and  Alf  entered. 

'  This  wretch,'  cried  the  bishop  to  the  general, 
'  proposes  to  purchase  his  forfeited  life  by  betraying 
the  city.  He  has,  however,  three  times  forfeited  his 
life,  —  formerly  a  rider  in  my  cavalry,  he  wounded 
his  superior  officer  and  went  over  to  the  enemy, 
swearing  allegiance  and  adopting  their  faith.  I  am 
half  inclined  to  compel  him  to  show  us  the  way  to 
Munster  and  then  hang  him ;  for  it  would  be  con- 
trary to  all  right,  human  and  divine,  to  allow  him  to 
escape  punishment  by  such  an  act.' 

'  The  greatest  right  is  often  the  greatest  wrong,' 
said  the  general  soothingly.  *  Too  much  severity  is 
often  injurious,  and  with  your  grace's  permission,  if 
the  spiritual  lords  had  not  formerly  held  so  rigidly  to 
their  notions  of  right  and  wrong,  and  had  not  wielded 
the  rod  of  authority  too  vigorously,  much  of  the  mis- 
28 


326  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

chief  against  which  the  assembled  christians  of  Ger- 
many of  all  denominations  now  appeal  to  heaven, 
would  have  been  avoided.  My  voice  is  for  mild- 
ness.' 

'  You  have  lost  none  who  were  dear  to  you,  through 
these  monsters  ! '  cried  the  bishop,  making  great  ef- 
forts to  suppress  his  tears.  '  I  have  just  learned,  that 
the  reprobate  tailor  has  murdered  both  of  my  pages, 
for  making  an  effort  to  rescue  themselves  from  his 
paws.' 

'  That  is  sad  news,'  said  Oberstein,  sympathising- 
ly ;  '  but  if  you  should  outdo  all  these  horrors  by 
committing  greater,  you  might  thereby  bring  a  stain 
upon  your  princely  reputation ;  but  you  would  remedy 
no  evil.  My  advice  is,  that  you  grant  a  free  pardon 
to  the  deserter,  and  thereby  obtain  a  faithful  guide 
into  the  city,  the  speedy  surrender  of  which  is  yet 
nearest  your  heart.  A  resort  to  the  rack,  is,  in  my 
mind,  as  it  must  be  in  that  of  every  man,  highly 
objectionable,  beside  being  a  very  unsafe  means  of 
accomplishing  our  purpose.' 

'  You  may  be  right,'  said  the  bishop,  after  a  pause, 
somevvhat  softened  by  the  decided  tone  and  plain 
good  sense  of  the  old  warrior. 

'  I  bring  you  another  individual  who  may  be  trusted 
to  guide  our  forces  to  the  attack  of  Munster,'  pro- 
ceeded Oberstein,  pointing  to  Alf,  *  and  we  shall  be 
able  by  this   means  to  divide  and  direct  our  troops.' 

'  Is  this  he  ? '  cried  the  bishop  wuth  suddenly  re- 
kindled rage.     '  Wretch  !  thank  God  that  I  have  you 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  327 

in  my  power.  You  shall  learn  to  your  sorrow  what 
it  is  to  fall  into  my  hands.' 

'  What  mean  you,  sir  bishop?'  asked  the  general. 
'  What  harm  can  have  been  done  to  you  by  a  youth, 
whom  you  probably  now  see  for  the  first  time  in 
your  life  ? ' 

*  Oh  J  know  him  but  too  well,'  raved  the  bishop. 
*  When  the  lying  prophet  Matthias  surprised  our 
camp  last  year,  this  villain  led  the  anabaptists  as 
their  commander.  I  saw  him  rushing  onward  at  the 
head  of  his  troops,  as  I  was  mounting  my  horse  to 
escape  the  danger  of  capture.' 

'  Heigh !  you  are  again  strangely  severe  ! '  cried 
Oberstein.  '  Misled,  like  thousands  of  others  in  the 
city,  to  whom  you  long  ago  offered  a  general  pardon, 
the  young  man  only  fulfilled  what  at  that  time  he 
considered  his  duty  as  a  christian  and  a  soldier. 
Now,  however,  he  has  become  disgusted  with  the 
tailor's  government,  and  has  voluntarily  come  out 
to  us.' 

'  At    that    onslaught    was    my  unhappy pupil 

taken  prisoner  with  his  companion  ! '  cried  the  bishop. 
'  Who  was  it,  moreover,  who  dragged  him  to  his 
death,  but  the  profligate  leader  of  that  frantic  host  ? 
Matthias  is  already  judged.  This  one  has  the  Most 
High  given  into  my  hands,  and  if  God  from  heaven 
should  cry  mercy  !  he  should  die.' 

'  Such  a  speech  little  becomes  a  prince,  much  less 
a  spiritual  lord,'  said  Oberstein  with  melancholy 
earnestness.     *  As  for  the  rest,   the  duty  of  gratitude 


328  TALES     FR03I     THE     GERMAN. 

at  this  time  compels  me  to  spare  you  the  commission 
of  a  crime.  This  youth  has  saved  my  life.  I  will 
never  deliver  him  up  to  your  revenge.' 

*  Forget  not,  sir  earl,'  cried  the  bishop  angrily, 
'  that  I  am  a  prince  upon  this  ground,  and  that  you 
are  only  general  of  the  forces  ! ' 

*  The  forces  of  the  empire  ! '  vehemently  exclaimed 
Oberstein, —  'not  yours,  and  I  am  expressly  com- 
manded to  execute  the  decrees  of  the  Diet  of  Worms, 
—  of  which,  as  you  appear  to  have  forgotten  it,  it  is 
my  duty  to  remind  you.' 

'  Unheard  of  insolence  ! '  growled  the  bishop.  '  It 
may  be  worth  while  to  inquire  whether  I  am  yet 
sovereign  of  Munster.'  With  fury  in  his  rolling 
eyes,  he  beckoned  to  the  door  an  officer  who  stood 
near  him,  as  if  he  desired  to  confide  to  him  an  order 
of  serious  consequence. 

'  Spare  yourself  steps,  your  princely  grace,  which 
you  will  be  compelled  to  retrace,'  said  Oberstein ; 
and  at  that  moment  the  bishop's  body  servant,  a 
pious,  blameless,  silver  haired  old  man,  entered  with 
his  master's  morning  meal. 

'  Jesus  Maria  ! '  screamed  the  servant  the  moment 
he  saw  Alf;  and,  letting  fall  the  smoking  platter, 
threw  himself  at  the  youth's  feet  and  clasped  his 
knees.  '  God  in  his  mercy  has  granted  me  an  op- 
portunity to  thank  the  preserver  of  my  life  ! '  cried 
he,  sobbing. 

'  Preserver  of  your  life  ! '  cried  the  bishop  wonder- 
ingly. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  329 

'  You  are  mistaken,  father,'  said  Alf,  gently  putting 
aside  the  old  man,  *  I  do  not  know  you  at  all.' 

'  I  am  not  more  certain  of  future  bliss,'  said  the 
old  servant.  '  Know  you  not,  sir  colonel,  or  whatever 
else  you  may  have  been,  when  you  fell  upon  oar 
camp,  with  the  terrible  Matthias,  and  his  princely 
grace  had  fled,  and  Matthias  had  broken  into  this 
tent,  and  had  already  cut  down  the  cook  and  two 
lacqueys,  and  the  pages  were  kneeling  before  him, 
and  the  Goliath-spear  was  already  raised  to  destroy 
them.  I  stood  in  a  corner  tremblingly  awaiting  the 
moment  when  my  turn  would  come.  Then  you 
rushed  into  the  tent  and  valiantly  stayed  the  mon- 
ster's upraised  arm,  although  he  was  your  superior, 
and  commanded  him  and  gave  him  hard  words,  and 
compelled  him  to  spare  their  lives  and  take  them  with 
him  prisoners  to  Munster.  And  then  you  dragged 
him  away,  together  with  the  boys  ;  I,  however, 
slipped  out  of  my  corner,  and  in  this  place  I  kneeled 
down  and  prayed  a  devout  Ave  Maria  for  myself,  and 
two  for  the  salvation  of  your  poor  soul,  that  God 
might  rescue  you  from  eternal  death,  as  you  had 
rescued  me  from  the  murderous  prophet.' 

'  How  now,  sir  bishop  ? '  said  Oberstein,  in  an  up- 
braiding tone.  '  It  appears  that  the  youth  saved  the 
lives  of  those  whose  blood  you  would  avenge  on  him. 
His  crime  is,  that  he  could  not  be  about  them  every 
moment  to  guard  them  against  the  beasts  of  prey 
who  constantly  beset  their  path.' 

'  Can  you  swear  upon  the  Host,'  asked  the  bishop 
28* 


330  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN, 

of  the  servant,  '  that  this  is  the  man  who  saved  the 
lives  of  the  boys  ? ' 

'As  God  may  help  me  to  a  good  dying  moment!' 
answered  the  servant  with  his  hand  upon  his  heart. 

The  traits  of  passion  disappeared  from  the  bishop's 
features.  He  advanced  towards  Alf  and  said  sorrow- 
ing, '  thou  hast  meant  well,  my  son,  but  God  has 
willed  it  otherwise.'  Then,  turning  to  Oberstein, 
he  proceeded,  '  I  leave  both  the  deserters  to  your 
unfettered  disposal,  and  shall  expect  from  you  some 
indication  of  what  I  can  do  for  the  youths.  I  trust 
you  will  forget  our  little  misunderstanding,  when  you 
recollect  in  how  many  w^ays  and  how  deeply  I  have 
been  injured  by  all  these  enormities,  as  a  man,  as  a 
father,  as  a  temporal  prince,  and  as  a  dignitary  of 
the  church.' 

Oberstein  took  the  freely  offered  hand  of  the 
bishop,  with  a  reverential  bow ;  after  which  the  latter, 
with  an  humble  air,  passed  to  an  inner  apartment  of 
the  tent.  At  the  nod  of  the  general,  Hanslein's 
chains  fell  from  him. 

'  It  was  hard  clearing  the  gallows  this  time,'  cried 
Hanslein,  shaking  himself.  '  It  shall  be  a  warning 
to  me  forever  to  avoid  the  spiritual  lords.  I  feared 
to  make  myself  known  to  the  general,  who  I  supposed 
would  not  be  able  to  comprehend  my  position  ;  and 
therefore  I  w^ent  to  the  lord  bishop;  —  but  the  crook, 
under  which  I  had  hoped  safely  to  repose,  had  very 
nearly  broken  my  brain-pan.' 

'  That   also    must  be   an  old    acquaintance,'    said 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  331 

Oberstein,  smilingly  contemplating  the  chatterer. 
'  I  now  recognise  his  features.  Anxiety  about  his 
fate  had  lengthened  them  a  little.' 

'  Sure  enough,'  cried  Hanslein,  kissing  his  hand ; 
•  and  you,  my  prince  of  warriors,  have  spoken  like 
a  man  in  behalf  of  an  unknown  anabaptist,  without 
suspecting  that  you  were  under  obligations  to  him 
for  a  former  service.' 

'Follow  me  now,  children,'  said  the  good  general, 
'  and  forget  in  my  tent  all  the  trouble  you  have  just 
experienced,  and  so  put  an  end  to  the  anxiety  of  the 
trembling  little  bride.' 

'  With  a  thousand  pleasures  ! '  cried  Hanslein  ; 
'  besides,  it  is  not  good  to  set  up  our  tabernacle  here.' 
With  a  few  vigorous  leaps  he  found  himself  before 
the  general's  tent.     The  others  followed. 

'  Perhaps  you  would  like  to  be  married  to  your 
little  maiden  to-day  ?  '  Oberstein  affectionately  asked 
of  Alf,  while  on  their  way  to  the  tent.  '  There  is  no 
lack  of  monks  and  preachers  in  the  camp.  I  will 
furnish  forth  the  marriage  feast,  and  you  may  safely 
reckon  upon  a  magnificent  wedding  present  from  the 
bishop.' 

'Until  the  city  is  gained,'  answered  Alf,  '  I  must 
postpone  the  consummation  of  that  holy  act.  If  I 
should  fall  in  the  attack,  then  would  my  wife  become 
an  early  widow,  and  more  unhappy  than  if  she 
mourned  her  promised  bridegroom  only  as  one 
betrothed.  Besides,  I  cannot  be  married  with  any 
satisfaction,  or  really  enjoy  the   greatest  festival  of 


332  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

my  life,  until  my  poor  native  city  is  freed  from  the 
domination  of  the  devil  who  now  lacerates  her  with 
his  infernal  claws.  When  good  old  Munster  has 
found  peace  and  safety  I  will  seek  the  consummation 
of  my  own  domestic  happiness.' 

'  Thou  hast  a  good  faith,  my  son,'  cried  Oberstein, 
pleased  with  the  self-denial  of  the  youth. 

By  this  time  they  stood  before  the  general's  tent, 
when  they  were  met  by  Fabricius  holding  by  the  hand 
the  amiable  and  sweetly  smiling  Clara,  already  mod- 
estly clad  in  the  dress  of  her  sex. 


CHAPTER    XXVII. 


Yielding-  to  the  voice  of  clemency,  the  worthy 
Oberstein  sent  messengers  into  the  city  to  admonish 
them  to  surrender  and  save  the  lives  of  the  starving 
people  ;  but  the  answer  which  orator  Rothman  gave 
in  the  presence  of  the  king,  was,  like  the  preceding 
one,  the  sending  back  of  the  messengers  with  a 
paraphrase  of  the  passage  in  the  prophet  Daniel  of 
the  four  ferocious  beasts,  in  the  description  of  which, 
he  said,  the  bishop  might  easily  learn  to  know  him- 
self. 

The  last  of  mercy's  sands  had  finally  run,  and  the 
next  night  was  determined  on  for  the  attack.  It  was 
on  the  13th  of  June,  1-533,  an  hour  before  midnight, 
that  Hanslein,  in  perfect  silence,  led  five  hundred 
volunteers  through  the  shallow  place  in  the  ditch  and 
thence  upon  the  walls.  The  sleeping  sentinels  were 
cut  down,  and  the  detachment  reached  the  little  gate 
without  hindrance.  This  was  broken  down  and  the 
soldiers  rushed  into  the  city.  The  alarm  was,  how- 
ever, now  given.  The  armed  burghers,  who  had 
hastily  collected,  beat   back  the  last  of  the   entering 


334  TALES     FR03I     THE     GERMAN. 

troops,  closed,  and  occupied  the  gate,  and  then  at- 
tacked with  redoubled  rage  those  who  had  already 
entered.  An  hour  and  a  half  they  endured  the 
bloody  onslaught  in  the  dark,  until  Hanslein  with  the 
rest  of  his  band  broke  through  the  nearest  weakly 
guarded  gate.  The  commander  in  chief,  guided  by 
Alf,  waited  for  this  event  with  the  main  force  ;  and, 
as  the  gate  was  burst  open  from  within  and  its  wings 
flew  asunder,  the  bishop's  troops  poured  with  loud 
cries  into  the  city.  The  victory  was  not,  however, 
yet  won.  Each  footstep  in  advance  was  at  the  ex- 
pense of  much  blood  of  the  half  starved  fanatics  ; 
and  when  finally  Oberstein  with  resistless  power 
forced  them  back,  they  retired  only  towards  the 
market-place  at  St.  Lambert's  church ;  there  once 
more  to  make  a  stand.  Here  was  the  king,  who 
had  suddenly  sprung  from  his  bed,  with  the  best 
of  his  people,  and  this  availed  to  renew  the  fight. 
Bloodily  the  red  morning  rose  upward  over  the  pro- 
miscuous slaughter  ;  and  the  battle,  now  that  friends 
and  enemies  could  rightly  discern  each  other,  became 
regular ;  by  which  the  anabaptists  gained  nothing. 
Alf  kept  himself  constantly  at  the  side  of  the  general, 
only  defending  himself  when  necessary,  as  he  did 
not  like  to  draw  his  sword  against  his  fellow  citizens ; 
but  now,  amid  the  tumult,  he  caught  a  glimpse  of 
the  infamous  Johannes  as  he  was  stimulating  his 
troops  to  the  fight.  Then  the  wrath  of  the  youth 
kindled  into  a  mightier  flame.  '  Eliza  ! '  cried  he, 
urging  his  horse  to  the  place   occupied  by  the  king. 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  335 

Right  and  left  the  foot-soldiers  were  overthrown 
before  the  hoofs  of  his  springing  charger,  and  he  soon 
approached  the  spot.  '  Eliza  ! '  cried  he  once  again, 
as  he  reached  the  king,  —  and,  as  if  he  did  not  hold 
the  monster  worthy  a  soldier's  blade,  he  struck  him 
so  heavily  on  his  mailed  breast  with  the  hilt  of  his 
sword,  that  he  shrunk  almost  double.  Then,  with  a 
strong  hand,  he  lifted  the  swooning  king  from  his 
horse,  and  taking  him  like  a  stolen  maiden  before 
himself  on  the  pummel  of  his  saddle,  darted  back 
to  the  commander  in  chief*  *  I  bring  you  here  the 
torch  of  this  unrighteous  war,'  said  he.  '  Dispose  of 
him  as  you  deem  proper.' 

'  The  bishop  has  expressly  reserved  to  himself,' 
answered  Oberstein,  with  sad  earnestness,  *  the  duty 
of  deciding  on  the  fate  of  the  leaders.  Therefore 
take  a  sufficient  number  of  men  ;  let  the  wretch  be 
strongly  chained,  and  hold  him  in  close  custody. 
I  shall  require  him  at  your  hands  when  the  proper 
time  arrives.  You  may  safely  count  upon  your 
reward/ 

The  battle  had  continued  until  now.  Orator 
Rothman,  observing  the  capture  of  the  king,  and 
despairing  of  the  fortune  of  the  day,  precipitated 
himself,  sword  in  hand,  upon  the  thickest  crowds  of 
the  enemy,  that  he  might  not  fall  into  their  hands 
alive  ;  and  fell,  bravely  fighting,  more  honorably  than 
he  had  lived.  Knipperdolling  and  Krechting  having 
disappeared,  the  rest  of  the  anabaptists,  deprived  of 
their  frantic  leaders,  and  terrified  by  the  universal 


336  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

massacre,  threw  away  their  arms  and  begged  for 
quarter,  which  the  commander  in  chief  immediately- 
granted.  The  worthy  old  general  gazed  sorrowfully 
upon  the  dead  and  dying,  who  deluged  the  market- 
place with  their  blood,  and  upon  the  pale,  meagre 
countenances,  distorted  by  the  sufferings  they  had 
experienced,  of  those  who  were  left ;  and  observed 
with  heartfelt  compassion,  '  poor  fools,  you  might 
have  obtained  pardon  at  a  cheaper  rate  ! ' 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 


The  next  morning  the  bishop  entered  the  tranquil- 
ized  city  at  the  head  of  fifteen  hundred  horsemen.  All 
the  houses  had  been  strictly  searched ;  during  which 
operation  many  a  mad  fanatical  spirit  was  found,  and 
the  exasperated  soldiery  did  not  always  respect  the 
general  pardon  which  had  been  granted.  Among 
others  Knipperdolling  and  Krechting  were  drawn  from 
their  lurking  holes ;  but  their  lives,  with  a  cruel,  cal- 
culating forbearance  were  spared  for  a  future  and  more 
solemn  execution.  Alf's  testimony  as  to  the  total 
inactivity  and  inoffensiveness  of  his  kinsman,  the 
butcher-burgomaster-treasurer,  and  also  of  the  tailor- 
duodecemvir-lord-steward,  Dilbek,  rescued  both  from 
imprisonment  and  death.  The  first,  Alf  charged  with 
the  duty  of  collecting  his  little  property,  as  well  as  that 
of  Trutlinger's  niece,  converting  it  into  money  and 
sending  it  after  him,  by  the  first  convenient  opportunity, 
to  the  place  where  he  might  thereafter  take  up  his 
abode  ;  he  not  feeling  disposed  to  remain  in  his  native 
city  after  what  he  had  experienced  there,  —  and  be- 
sides, the  bishop,  notwithstanding  the  favor  he  shewed 
29 


338  TALES     FRO  31     THE     GERMAN. 

him  during  the  audience,  had  not  gained  his  approba- 
tion to  such  a  degree  as  to  induce  him  to  wish  to  dwell 
under  his  sceptre. 

Nor  was  the  bishop  yet  quite  disposed  to  make  his 
home  at  the  episcopal  residence.  He  drove  out  to 
castle  Dulmen,  three  miles  from  Munster,  on  the 
day  of  his  entrance  ;  thereby  giving  to  Oberstein  a 
fine  opportunity  to  execute  the  decisions  of  the  Diet  of 
Worms  in  relation  to  the  unfortunate  city  without  the 
interference  of  its  irritable  master.  He  did  every  thing 
in  his  power  to  mitigate  the  measureless  distress  of 
the  citizens.  Plentiful  supplies  of  provisions  put  an 
end  to  the  torments  of  hunger.  A  general  pardon, 
which  the  bishop  himself  could  not  avoid  signing, 
relieved  the  Munsterers  from  their  incessant  and 
excessive  fears  of  being  yet  reached  by  the  sword  of 
judicial  power.  Only  the  king,  Knipperdolling  and 
Krechting  were  excepted  from  this  pardon.  Every 
one,  protestant  or  catholic,  besieged  or  emigrant,  was 
allowed  to  take  his  property  out  of  the  public  repository 
where  the  prophet  had  sequestered  it.  The  refugees 
returned  again  ;  particularly  the  expelled  burgomaster 
and  aldermen,  who  immediately  resumed  their  func- 
tions, and  every  thing  appeared  as  if  the  city  was  well 
pleased  to  find  itself  returning  to  the  old  order  of 
things. 

Three  days  had  thus  passed  away.  Early  on  the 
fourth,  Oberstein  sent  for  Alf.  '  I  have  caused  St. 
Lambert's  church  to  be  repaired  and  embellished  a 
little,'  said  the   general  to  him.     '  It  looked  as  drear 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  339 

and  desolate  in  its  large  plundered  interior,  as  if  the 
Zihim  and  Ohim  ^  were  to  rule  in  it  —  and  the  poor 
people  must  truly  have  some  external  show  with  their 
public  worship.  We  must  in  some  measure  provide 
for  an  impression  upon  their  senses,  because  their 
thoughts  and  feelings  are  confined  within  a  narrow 
circle.  If  you  please  my  young  friend,  we  will  go 
together  and  observe  what  great  things  the  painters 
and  garnishers  have  accomplished  in  so  short  a  time.' 

Alf  proceeded  to  the  church  with  the  old  hero,  and 
could  not  refrain  from  expressing  his  surprise  when 
he  found  the  lateral  walks  wholly  desolate  and  un- 
trimmed. 

'  Only  be  patient,  the  best  is  yet  to  come,'  said  the 
smiling  Oberstein,  consolingly,  and  passed  into  the 
next  lateral  walk,  where,  turning  suddenly,  they  found 
themselves  before  the  freshly  gilded  and  well  adorned 
high  altar.  Before  it,  with  the  church  service  in  his 
hand,  stood  doctor  Fabricius  in  his  priestly  robes.  With 
a  myrtle  wreath  in  her  blond  hair,  in  a  simple  white 
dress,  her  eyes  cast  down,  her  cheeks  glowing  with 
love,  joy  and  shame,  stood  the  faithful  little  Clara, 
opposite  the  youth ;  while  his  kinsman  Gerhard, 
Hanslein,  and  the  old  body  servant  of  the  bishop,  as 
witnesses  of  the  marriage  ceremony,  approached  to 
wish  him  joy. 

'  Oh  my  God  ! '  cried  Alf,  surprised  and  enraptur- 
ed,—  and  the  worthy  Oberstein  himself  accompanied 
the  pair  before  the  clergyman. 

*  Evil  spirits. 


340  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

The  YES  was  spoken  —  the  benediction  pronounced  — 
and  Alf  had  seized  the  hand  of  his  young  wife  to  lead 
her  out  of  church  —  when  an  episcopalian  officer 
entered  and  delivered  to  the  general  a  letter  of  which 
he  was  the  bearer. 

Oberstein  opened,  read,  and  angrily  stamped  his 
foot.  *  No  joy  without  interruption,'  cried  he.  '  More 
than  a  year  have  we  been  detained  before  these  ras- 
cally walls  without  any  interruption  of  the  everlasting 
sameness.  This  is  the  first  day  which  I  had  thought 
to  spend  happily  here,  and  now  this  is  to  be  marred 
by  such  a  bum-bailiff  commission  I  I  cannot  help  you, 
my  dear  bridegroom,'  proceeded  he,  turning  to  Alf; 
'  the  bishop  here  commands  that  you  immediately  bring 
to  Dulmen,  under  a  strong  guard,  the  tailor-king 
whom  you  took  prisoner.' 

'  Is  not  my  marriage  a  sufficient  excuse  ? '  asked  Alf 
dejectedly. 

'  With  the  bishop,  hardly,'  w^hispered  Oberstein  to 
him.  '  Man-service  goes  before  God-service  with  these 
proud  prelates  —  and  we  have  already,  on  account  of 
the  poor  Munsterers,  every  motive  to  keep  him  in  as 
good  a  humor  as  possible.  It  will  be  fortunate  if  he 
satiate  his  anger  upon  the  wretch  whom  you  are  about 
to  conduct  to  him.' 

'  Poor  little  Clara,'  sighed  Alf,  printing  a  passionate 
and  sorrowful  kiss  upon  the  lips  of  the  maiden. 

'  He  named  you  and  thought  of  himself,'  said  Ober- 
stein, jestingly;  '  but  in  order  that  the  happy  couple 
may  not  be  separated  on  this  first  day  of  their  espousal, 


THE      ANABAPTIST.  341 

I  will  ride  out  to  Dulmen  and  endeavor  to  get  you 
excused  by  the  lord  bishop.' 

'  You  are  very  good  ! '  said  the  little  bride,  bending 
over  the  hand  of  the  gray  old  general  and  pressing 
it  to  her  lips. 

29^ 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 


At  Dulmen,  in  the  hall  of  state,  sat  the  prince-bishop 
upon  his  gilded  throne.  On  each  side  of  him  were 
placed  his  counsellors  and  field  officers.  At  a  table 
covered  with  rich  red  cloth,  sat  two  secretaries  with 
ready  pens.  Oberstein  had  announced  the  tailor-king, 
and  after  a  short  conversation  with  the  bishop  resumed 
his  place.  The  bishop  made  a  signal  —  the  guards 
opened  the  door,  and,  accompanied  by  Alf,  Johannes 
entered,  loaded  with  chains  and  very  pale  ;  but  with  a 
proud  and  solemn  bearing,  casting  round  upon  the 
assembly  his  wild,  impudent  and  bold  glance. 

'  That  is  the  murderer  of  my  son,'  sighed  the  bishop 
in  a  suppressed  tone  to  Oberstein,  covering  his  face 
with  his  hands  from  grief  and  horror. 

'  Remember  that  you  are  here  as  a  prince  and 
judge,  and  not  as  a  party,'  whispered  Oberstein  in 
return. 

The  bishop  recovered  himself  with  difficulty. 
'  Wretched  man,'  cried  he  vehemently  to  the  crimi- 
nal :  *  wherefore  hast  thou  ruined  my  defenceless 
people  ?  ' 


THE      ANABAPTIST.  343 

'I  have  not  done  less  than  you  deserve,  priest!' 
answered  Johannes,  as  proudly  as  if  Zion's  crown  had 
yet  stood  upon  his  head.  *  I  have  given  into  thy  hand 
a  strong  city  which  can  stand  against  every  power. 
Nevertheless  if  I  have  injured  you  I  have  sufficient 
means  to  make  you  reparation,  in  case  you  will  hut 
follow  my  counsels.' 

'  Wretch  ! '  growled  the  bishop,  '  how  wilt  thou 
compensate  for  a  single  drop  of  the  innocent  blood 
which  thou  hast  caused  to  flow  in  streams  ? ' 

*  Human  blood,'  said  Johannes,  scornfully,  '  comes 
not  into  the  account  in  the  reckoning  of  kings.  Here 
we  can  only  speak  respecting  the  restitution  of 
money.  Therefore  shut  me  up  in  an  iron  cage  as 
Tamerlane  did  Bajazet,  take  me  through  the  neigh-^ 
boring  countries  and  show  me  for  money  —  you  will 
make  more  out  of  me  in  that  way  than  the  whole  siege 
has  cost.' 

The  whole  assembly  broke  out  into  a  loud  cry  of 
astonishment  and  displeasure  at  the  unparalleled 
insolence  of  the  criminal,  whose  life  hung  upon  the 
nod  of  his  judge. 

The  latter  w^as  paralyzed  by  the  extent  of  the  mon- 
ster's profligacy.  He  soon  however  recovered  himself, 
and  silently  viewed  him  for  a  long  time  with  a  horrible 
smile  upon  his  countenance, 

'  My  God ! '  murmured  Alf,  when  he  saw  that  smile  ; 
'  this  will  end  tragically.' 

'  Thou  hast  advised  w^ell,  wise  Solomon,'  said  the 
bishop  with  great  calmness.     '  Be  it  done  to  thee  ac- 


344  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

cording  to  thy  words.  Deliver  up  your  prisoner  to  the 
constable  of  the  castle,'  he  commanded  Alf.  *  Let  him 
be  confined  in  the  murderer's  cell  until  further  orders 
—  and  do  you  convey  to  the  smiths  of  Munster  my 
command  that  they  immediately  make  three  iron  cages 
of  a  man's  height.  Therein  shall  this  man  and  his 
coadjutors  be  conducted  round  the  land  as  he  himself 
has  desired,  and  be  shown  to  the  people  as  they  are 
accustomed  to  show  wdid  beasts.  What  further  is  to 
be  done  with  the  worthy  trio,  shall  be  duly  pronounced 
at  the  proper  time  in  the  criminal  court.' 

With  unaltered  pride  Johannes  suffered  himself 
to  be  led  forth  by  Alf.  The  bishop  dismissed  the 
assembly.  Only  Oberstein  remained  with  him,  — 
and  now  Alf  returned  to  announce  that  he  had  depos- 
ited his  prisoner  in  his  dungeon. 

'  It  was  you  who  captured  the  hyaena  who  butch- 
ered my  children  for  me,'  cried  the  bishop  with 
horrible  j  oy.  *  I  thank  you  for  the  opportunity  to 
avenge  on  him  the  blood  of  all  his  victims  !  Oh  that 
he  had  more  than  one  life  !  Say,  what  reward  do  you 
desire  for  the  deed  ! ' 

'  Such  a  reward  would  be  the  price  of  blood,'  thought 
Alf,  '  and  therefore  God  preserve  me  from  it.' 

'  Would  you  like  a  good  military  or  civil  office  at 
my  court  ? '  asked  the  bishop  in  his  desire  to  express 
his  gratitude. 

*  I  am  a  protestant,  most  reverend  sir,'  answered 
Alf:  '  and  hope  to  die  in  the  evangelical  faith;  but  if 
I  may  prefer  a  petition  to  you,  I  have  to  request  that 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  345 

you  will  permit  me  without  ceremony  or  hindrance  to 
take  my  own  and  my  wife's  property  to  the  place  where 
I  am  to  settle  myself.' . 

*  Are  you  determined  absolutely  not  to  remain 
in  my  territories  ?  '  asked  the  bishop  resentfully. 

'  I  think  of  procuring  for  him  a  captaincy  from  the 
elector  of  Saxony,'  said  Oberstein,  with  a  view  of 
softening  the  effect  of  Alf's  short  and  ungracious 
reply. 

*  Pardon  me  sir  earl,'  said  Alf,  '  for  respectfully  de- 
clining that  favor  also.  I  have  lately  seen  so  many 
people  commanded,  and  so  many  evils  have  been 
caused  by  the  orders  given  —  and  I  myself  in  my 
simplicity  have  done  so  much  mischief  by  my  own 
commands,  that  I  have  become  utterly  disgusted  with 
the  whole  business.  Wherefore  I  have  solicited  the 
reverend  doctor  Fabricius  to  seek  me  out  a  quiet 
little  place  in  Hesse  Cassel,  were  I  may  honorably 
employ  myself  as  an  armorer  and  enjoy  the  society  of 
my  wife  and  the  children  with  which  God  may  bless 
our  union,  until  my  happy  end.' 

'  Do  you  not  think  he  has  chosen  the  wisest  part  ?  ' 
asked  Oberstein  of  the  bishop,  at  the  same  time  leaving 
the  room. 

'  O  that  I  could  find  in  Munster  a  hundred  burghers 
like  this  who  now  deserts  me ! '  said  the  bishop,  through 
forgetfulness,  laying  his  hand  in  blessing  upon  the 
heretic's  head. 

*  Think  well  of  my  request,  reverend  sir,'  said 
Alf,  bowing  low  and  following  his  friend  and  protector. 


CHAPTER    XXX. 


When  the  happy  Clara  opened  her  blue  eyes  on 
the  first  morning  after  her  marriage,  she  saw  that 
her  young  husband  was  already  awake  and  sitting 
upright  in  bed  as  if  in  deep  and  earnest  meditation 
upon  some  important  matter.  She  threw  her  arms 
about  his  neck,  kissed  him  tenderly  and  asked  him 
what  he  was  meditating  upon  so  intently. 

'  Upon  my  future  destiny,  and  the  decision  I  must 
make  as  to  what  business  I  shall  hereafter  pursue, 
my  dear  wife,'  answered  he  with  seeming  earnest- 
ness. *  So  many  offers  were  made  to  me  yesterday 
that  I  hardly  know  which  of  them  to  embrace.  The 
lord  bishop  wishes  to  retain  me  with  him,  either  in 
a  military  capacity  or  as  an  officer  of  his  court,  as  I 
may  choose ;  for  the  latter  of  which  I  suppose  I  am 
more  particularly  well  qualified.  I  can  also  at  any 
moment  become  a  captain  in  the  service  of  the  elec- 
tor of  Saxony.' 

'  You  surely  will  not  accept  of  either  of  them  ? ' 
cried  Clara,  anxiously.  *  Leave  those  high  honors 
and    dignities  to    others,   and   be  satisfied  with   the 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  347 

quiet  domestic  happiness  which  awaits  you,  and 
which  your  unambitious  disposition  is  best  calculated 
to  enjoy.  Remain  what  you  are,  a  good  armorer  ! 
As  such  only  have  I  joined  hands  with  you,  before 
God's  altar,  in  the  holy  bands  of  matrimony.  If  now 
you  wish  the  captaincy,  or  a  seat  in  the  royal  council, 
then  have  you  deceived  me,  even  at  the  moment  of 
marriage,  and  that  would  be  very  wrong  in  a  bride- 
groom.' 

*  God  be  praised  !'  joyfully  exclaimed  Alf,  pressing 
her  to  his  bosom.  '  That  is  precisely  what  I  desired 
to  hear  from  you,  my  dear  Clara.  I  only  wished  to 
ascertain  whether  you  agreed  with  me  upon  a  most 
important  question  ;  and  behold,  our  wishes  and 
opinions  are  as  similar  as  if  we  had  been  made  for 
each  other.' 

'  Ah,  that  w^as  always  clear  to  me  from  the  first 
moment  I  saw  you,'  stammered  Clara,  blushing ; 
'  and  it  used  to  render  me  truly  miserable  to  see  that 
you  had  eyes  only  for  my  unfortunate  sister.' 

'  Peace  to  her  ashes  ! '  said  Alf  with  emotion  ; 
'  but  I  now  perceive  quite  clearly  that  she  would 
have  been  no  wife  for  me.  What  God  brings  to  pass 
is  intended  for  our  good.' 

At  that  moment  began  under  the  windows,  ar- 
ranged by  the  wedding  guests,  an  excellent  morning 
serenade  ;  and  the  vocalists,  falling  in,  sang  to  the 
bridal  pair,  in  Martin  Luther's  w^ords  :  * 

*  We  use  the  version  of  Dr.  Watts. — Tr. 


343  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

'  Oh  happy  man,  whose  soul  is  fill'd 

With  zeal  and  reverend  awe  ! 
His  lips  to  God  their  honors  yield, 
His  life  adorns  the  law. 

*  A  careful  Providence  shall  stand 

And  ever  guard  thy  head, 

Shall  on  the  labors  of  thy  hand. 

Its  kindly  blessings  shed.' 

w 

*  Shall  on  the  labors  of  thy  hand,'  —  said  the 
young  couple  joyfully  to  each  other  at  the  same 
moment,  and  Alf  smilingly  remarked ;  '  now  we 
shall  be  sure  to  live  together  at  least  a  year,  my 
Clara,  since  we  both  had  the  same  thought  at  the 
same  time.' 

Again  sang  the  choir  : 

^  Thy  wife  shall  be  a  fruitful  vine  ; 

Thy  children  round  thy  board, 
Each  like  an  olive-plant  shall  shine, 

And  learn  to  fear  the  Lord. 

*  The  Lord  shall  thy  best  hopes  fulfil 

For  months  and  years  to  come  ; 

The  Lord  who  dwells  on  Zion's  hill, 

Shall  send  thee  blessings  home.' 

Reminded  of  the  pleasures  of  paternity,  Alf  pressed 
his  beloved  wife  yet  closer,  while  she  hid  her  blushing 
face  in  his  bosom.  They  listened  with  delighted 
attention  to  the  remainder  of  the  hymn,  and  when 
the  last  verse  came  they  joined  in  with  a  pious  ecsta- 
sy, and  in  thankful  remembrance  of  all  that  God  had 
done  for  them  : 


THE     ANABAPTIST,  349 

f  To  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 

The  God  whom  we  adore, 
Be  everlasting  honors  paid 

Henceforth,  fore  verm  ore.' 


30 


CHAPTER    XXXI. 


Having  obtained  an  honorable  discharge  from  the 
army  of  the  Diet,  Alf  settled  himself  with  his  young- 
wife  under  the  shadow  of  Fabricius's  wing  at  Cassel, 
as  a  respectable  armorer.  The  property  which  he 
took  with  him  from  Munster,  together  with  the  rich 
marriage  presents  which  he  received  from  the  bishop 
and  count  Oberstein,  rendered  him  a  well  conditioned 
burgher.  He  enjoyed  the  blessings  of  a  middle 
station  in  society,  in  an  unusual  measure,  and  the 
painful  remembrance  of  what  he  had  experienced, 
performed,  and  suffered,  was  merged  by  degrees  in 
the  feeling  of  repose,  and  in  the  quiet  enjoyment 
of  well  merited  prosperity. 

Meanwhile  the  timid  and  exasperated  bishop  began 
to  bring  poor  Munster  fully  under  the  yoke ;  so  that 
it  should  never  again  be  able  to  raise  its  head  in 
rebellion.  Two  castles  arose  towering  over  the  city, 
Avith  the  aid  of  which  he  hoped  easily  to  suppress 
every  disturbance,  and  occasionally  to  curtail  some  of 
the  ancient  privileges  of  the  people  ;  but  the  ambas- 
sadors of  the  Circle,  who  suddenly  appeared  in  Mun- 


THE     ANABAPTIST.  351 

ster,  efficaciously  remedied  this  fault  and  many 
others.  The  peaceable  citizens  of  Munster,  whom 
he  had  compelled  to  perform  all  sorts  of  labor,  were 
protected  ;  the  fortifications  of  the  anabaptists  as  well 
as  the  castles  of  the  bishop  were  razed;  and  the 
latter  was  compelled  to  permit  a  decision,  by  a  trial 
and  sentence,  upon  the  fate  of  the  tailor-king  and 
his  companions,  who,  until  then,  had  been,  in  mock- 
ery and  scorn,  dragged  through  all  the  neighboring 
parts  of  Germany  in  their  cages.  In  February  of 
the  year  1536,  the  three  criminals  were  finally  led  to 
the  scafibld.  However  great  was  their  guilt,  the 
cruelty  of  their  punishment  seemed  unworthy  the 
mercy  which  should  have  been  exercised  by  the 
spiritual  lords,  from  whom  alone  a  mitigation  of  their 
sentence  could  emanate ;  but  who  commanded  its 
execution  with  unrelenting  severity. 

*  Holy  God!'  exclaimed  Aif,  when  he  heard 
of  their  unhappy  end  ;  '  whither  will  not  fanaticism 
lead  its  unhappy  devotees  !  Happy  is  he  who  con- 
fines his  attention  to  the  narrow  circle  of  his  house- 
hold and  his  business,  and  who  does  not  forget  that 
prayer  and  labor  are  the  best  antidotes  to  vain 
imaginings.  Thrice  happy  is  the  man  to  whom  God 
grants  a  good  wife,  who,  with  gentle  power,  draws 
him  from  the  wild  impulses  of  the  world,  and  with 
flowery  chains  binds  him  to  his  own  hearth. 
Under  that  hearth  lies  buried  the  true  treasure 
of  life,  w^hich  so  few  have  the  desire  and  happiness 
to  raise.      We  have  disinterred  it,  have  we  not,  my 


3-52  TALES     FROM     THE     GERMAN. 

Clara  ?  When  the  olive  plants  stand  around  us, 
which  Dr.  Luther  has  promised,  what  shall  we  then 
lack  ?  '  Saying  this,  he  laid  his  hand  affectionately 
upon  his  young  wife,  who  was  most  assiduously 
spinning  at  the  opposite  side  of  the  table.  At  first, 
with  a  sweet  smile,  she  clasped  her  beloved  husband's 
hand,  and  then  passing  quickly  round  the  table,  she 
fell  upon  his  neck.  *  Lord  God,  we  thank  thee!' 
cried  the  superlatively  happy  husband,  glowing  with 
love  and  gratitude. 


